Medical professionals have expressed significant concern over employees taking sick leave due to smoking-related illnesses. Doctors in the UAE have reported issuing up to seven sick notes in a single day for patients suffering from health issues due to smoking. This issue was discussed with Khaleej Times following a call from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) for employers to establish tobacco-free workplaces. Dr. Jamsheer Kabeer, a specialist in Pulmonology and clinical lecturer at Thumbay University Hospital, noted that smokers often require more sick leaves, particularly for conditions like asthma exacerbations, pneumonia, and respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More severe conditions such as lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and interstitial lung disease (ILD) can lead to extended absences. Dr. Salaheldin Ahmed Nasr Rezk, an internal medicine specialist at Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Shamkha, mentioned that about 20% of his monthly consultations are related to smoking, with patients often presenting with risk factors like hypertension and ischemic heart disease. The MoHAP's guide to creating smoke-free workplaces highlights the economic benefits, including reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. A study in the US found that workplace smoking makes it harder for individuals to quit, with over 60% of respondents citing it as a significant challenge. The UAE health ministry advocates for tobacco-free workplaces to minimize smoking-related distractions. However, the issue of vaping in offices remains contentious, with many mistakenly believing that vaping is exempt from smoking regulations. Current laws in the UAE prohibit e-cigarette smoking in offices and other enclosed spaces, emphasizing that ventilation does not eliminate the health risks associated with passive smoking.