Starting January 1, 2027, large supermarkets across Abu Dhabi will be required to overhaul how they showcase junk food and sugary beverages. Under a new initiative spearheaded by the Healthy Living strategy and the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, retailers spanning over 4,000 square feet must remove high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) products from high-traffic zones like checkout counters, store entrances, and end-of-aisle displays. This mandate also extends to digital storefronts, where these items will be barred from appearing on homepages, promotional pop-ups, or within prominent search results.

The policy is designed to curb impulse buying rather than eliminate consumer choice. Shoppers will still find their favorite snacks readily available on standard store shelves; the primary goal is simply to deprioritize less nutritious options in favor of creating a more health-conscious shopping environment. Major retailers are already gearing up for this shift, with chains like Carrefour having already adjusted their store layouts to comply. This move serves as a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s wider public health agenda, which seeks to integrate preventive wellness into the daily lives of its residents by subtly nudging them toward smarter dietary decisions.