Sharjah bans sale of energy drinks

Sharjah, an emirate of the UAE, has banned the sale of energy drinks in restaurants and cafes in its territory, Emirati media have reported.

Outlets have been given two weeks' notice to comply with the ban, and owners instructed not to mix the high-caffeine drinks with food or other beverages.

Authorities say the measure will protect the health of Sharjah's citizens and residents.

The UAE has already banned the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 over health fears.

One Twitter user with the name DrSomahj, responded by posting a graphic video of a man being resuscitated which he says were affected by the consumption of energy drinks. The video could not be verified.

Another Emirati Twitter user named Masha3r_bint said she agreed with Sharjah's decision.

"I think the best thing they did was ban energy drinks, this is the last thing we need, we already have enough problems. Energy drinks are completely useless to be honest."

A hashtag has started called #whatdoyouknowaboutSharjah and to bring in comments from Emiratis and residents.

"#whatdoyouknowaboutSharjah They banned energy drinks!"

Sharjah is a coastal emirate and has been ruled by Sheikh Sultan al-Qassemi, a historian and patron of arts, since 1972.

The emirate is known to be one of the UAE's more conservative states, and unlike neighbouring Dubai bans the sale of alcohol and has established strict decency laws, earning it the moniker 'Little Saudi'.

However, Sharjah is also gaining a reputation for promoting artistic and literary culture, partly through a huge number of museums and art galleries in its heritage district.