A majory of smokers in the UAE believe that a potential price hike will encourage them to reduce smoking, says a new study.

It has been reported that this August, Dubai Municipality will take measures to reduce the number of smokers by applying a tax on the price of cigarettes and other smoking products. It is also proposed to cover cigarette packaging with graphic images warning of the dangers of smoking.

The study, conducted by YouGov to examine smoking habits and the effect that the proposed measures may have on smokers’ habits, said about 31 per cent of smokers claim taht the new strps will encourage them to try to stop smoking and a further 24 per cent state it will encourage them to reduce the amount they smoke.

However, just over a third (35 per cent) claim it will not have any impact on their smoking habit. Male respondents are more positive about the effect it will have, with a third (32 per cent) claiming it will encourage them to stop smoking, compared with a quarter (25 per cent) of females, the study said.

The highlights of the study's observations include:

* Approximately a third (35 per cent) of people in the UAE smoke and just under a fifth (18 per cent) smoke every day.
* Five times the number of males claim to smoke everyday (27 per cent) compared to females (5 per cent).
* Arab expats smoke much more than any other segment with over a fourth (28 per cent) claiming they smoke every day.
• Significantly more of those who are working (22 per cent) claim to smoke everyday than those who are not working (8pc).
• More people in the lowest income bracket claim to smoke every day than those in the highest income bracket.
* On a more promising note, three quarters (74pc) of smokers state they want to quit smoking. This is particularly true of those between 18 and 29 years old.

It would appear that the municipality is taking steps in the right direction; however a fifth (20pc) of respondents state it will take a family member or friend falling ill from the effects of smoking to have the greatest effect in reducing the amount they smoke themselves.

This survey was conducted using the YouGov omnibus, the results are based on the responses of 759 respondents in the UAE, a statement said. - TradeArabia News Service