METHODS: We studied 170,409 UAE nationals aged≥ 18 years (44% women and 56% men) in the Weqaya population-based screening program in Abu Dhabi residents during the period April 2008-June 2010. Demographics, self reported smoking, past history of cardiovascular events, HbA1C level, lipid profile, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio was recorded. Logistic and multinomial regression models were performed to determine factors associated with smoking.RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 24.2% in men and 0.78% in women and highest in males aged 20-29 (27.4%) and 30-39 (28.2%). Mean age (SD) of smokers was 32.8 (11.1) years, 32.7 (11.1) in men and 35.7 (12.1) in women. The mean age of onset of smoking was 22.2 (7.8) years overall, 22.4 (8.3) in cigarette smokers, 20.9 (6.7) in midwakh (a form of traditional pipe) smokers, 23.9 (8.1) in shisha smokers and 23 …