Abu Dhabi Hotel Restaurants Add Healthier Dish Labels to Menus

Hotel restaurants in Abu Dhabi have begun marking healthier dishes with the SEHHI programme logo, giving diners a way to identify individual menu items that meet approved nutritional standards. The requirement has been in effect since October 1st at restaurants licensed by the Department of Culture and Tourism, which account for around 20% of restaurants in the emirate.

Participating venues must offer at least one qualifying dish in each adult menu category, including starters, mains and appetisers, while at least half of the dishes on children’s menus must meet SEHHI criteria. The label applies to individual dishes rather than rating an entire restaurant or menu.

The measure forms part of Healthy Living – Abu Dhabi, a government-backed programme comprising 28 initiatives aimed at improving access to healthier food, increasing awareness and encouraging more active lifestyles. Other measures include Nutri-Mark, a front-of-pack labelling system that research found improved consumers’ understanding of nutritional information by 30%, and new supermarket layout rules taking effect on January 1st, 2027 that will move foods high in fat, salt and sugar away from prominent areas in stores and online platforms.

The UAE is also introducing new limits on sugar, sodium and fat in selected pre-packaged foods from June 2027, with implementation continuing through 2030.