Starting January 1, 2027, large supermarkets in Abu Dhabi will undergo significant layout changes to comply with new government regulations regarding high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) products. While these items are not being banned, retailers must remove them from high-traffic zones, including checkout counters, store entrances, and end-of-aisle displays. Furthermore, the mandate extends to the digital space, prohibiting these products from appearing in prominent online promotional pop-ups or checkout screens. The policy, developed by local health and food safety authorities, aims to nudge consumers toward better nutrition by limiting the visibility of processed snacks in prime impulse-buy areas.

Major retail chains, including Choithrams, Lulu Group, and GMG, have already begun evaluating their inventory and store designs to meet the deadline. Rather than just shifting shelves, these companies are actively sourcing healthier alternatives to occupy these newly vacated prime spots. Retailers note that this shift is more than a simple reorganization; it involves supply chain adjustments to accommodate the anticipated rise in demand for healthier goods. By prioritizing nutritious options in high-visibility locations, supermarkets expect to influence long-term shopping habits, though they emphasize that customers will continue to have full freedom of choice regarding their purchases.