Abboud explored the phenomenon of waterpipe (arghileh) smoking using an anthropological framework of analysis. This account investigates waterpipe smoking through a cultural and social lens presenting a thorough narrative of the various depictions throughout the city of waterpipe smokers and the meanings and images they portray. The lack of government authority is evident: access to waterpipes is free and readily available to all including the youth and there is an emerging trend of waterpipe home delivery services - the latter being a clear threat to road safety and a hazard to passers-by.

An analysis of the meaning and changing modes of waterpipe smoking among modern versus traditional cafes was presented as was an analysis of the variation of waterpipe use between public versus private spaces and between female and male users and the meanings portrayed within.