Member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed to put graphic warnings on tobacco packages starting in August 2012. The law to be enforced by the six-nation GCC (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman) includes graphic warnings on boxes of tobacco used in hookah pipes and other smoking tools.

FCA and other tobacco control advocates have been working with GCC member states for years to have the warning labels updated, but have had to contend with a strong lobby from the tobacco industry.

“This important announcement is the result of years of effort by many people working in the Gulf States and beyond,” said FCA Regional Coordinator Hani Algouhmani. “It also signals a trend toward increased tobacco control in the region, which will save millions of lives.”

The decision is the latest in a series of GCC measure s to curb smoking among its 42 million people. These include raising cigarette prices, increasing customs duty on tobacco imports, and banning smoking in public places.

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