Hotel restaurants and food outlets licensed by DCT Abu Dhabi must now include at least one healthy choice in every adult menu category, while a minimum of half of all children’s menu items must meet approved nutritional standards.
All hotel restaurants and food and beverage outlets operating under a Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) tourism licence are now required to provide at least one healthy choice in every adult menu category. The requirement covers appetisers, main courses, side dishes and desserts.
The new rules also require at least 50 per cent of items on children’s menus to comply with approved nutritional standards. Qualifying dishes are identified under SEHHI, Abu Dhabi’s official nutritional classification system developed by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC).
Another measure requires establishments to make low-sodium salt the standard option on dining tables, replacing regular salt. The initiative is intended to help reduce sodium consumption and promote better cardiovascular health.
The policy is supported by research involving nearly 21,000 participants, which linked the use of low-sodium salt with a 14 per cent reduction in strokes, a 13 per cent decrease in major cardiovascular events and a 12 per cent decline in premature deaths.
Both measures came into effect on July 1, 2026, with establishments given a three-month transition period to make the necessary changes. Mandatory compliance and enforcement are scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026.
The new requirements are part of a broader partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and Healthy Living, Abu Dhabi’s government-led initiative focused on helping people live longer and healthier lives. The collaboration seeks to make healthier food choices more accessible throughout the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.
With hotels, restaurants and other hospitality establishments serving millions of meals to residents and visitors every year, the sector is seen as an important platform for encouraging healthier eating habits and lifestyles.
Wider Collaboration
As part of the agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi and Healthy Living will work together on evidence-based initiatives across the tourism and hospitality sector. These will include developing new policies and guidelines, working closely with hotels, restaurants and tourism operators, and conducting research to assess and expand successful health-focused measures.
The partnership will also focus on raising awareness within the industry and encouraging more hospitality businesses to participate in initiatives aimed at improving health and wellbeing.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the measures underline Abu Dhabi’s efforts to integrate health and wellbeing into the hospitality experience. He added that the partnership shows how the tourism, hospitality and public health sectors can collaborate to improve industry standards.
Dr Ahmed Alkhazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, said the initiative aims to make healthier choices easier and more convenient. He noted that changes already appearing on menus and dining tables demonstrate the progress being made, with the partnership expected to build further on these efforts.
DCT Abu Dhabi and Healthy Living will continue collaborating with hospitality businesses to explore additional opportunities, trial new approaches and expand initiatives designed to promote healthier lifestyles and overall wellbeing across the emirate.
