Hotels and restaurants in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector must now include healthier choices on their menus under a new requirement that takes effect October 1.
The rules require each menu category to include at least one item meeting approved healthy-food criteria. Children’s menus face stricter requirements, with at least half of their listed choices required to meet the health standards.
The initiative focuses on reducing levels of fat, sugar and salt while encouraging more nutritious meals.
The move forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider public-health campaign. From January 1, supermarkets will also face new requirements limiting the placement of unhealthy food in highly visible and high-traffic areas.
Hotels and restaurant groups operating in the emirate have already been preparing for the changes during a three-month implementation period.
For residents and families, the measures could gradually change the type of food options prominently offered when dining out, particularly in hotels and tourist areas.