As of July 1, 2026, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has implemented new regulations requiring all licensed hotel restaurants and dining outlets to prioritize healthier dining. Establishments must now include at least one healthy option in every menu category—ranging from appetizers to desserts—and ensure that half of all children’s menu items align with the official SEHHI nutritional standards. Furthermore, to combat cardiovascular health risks, hotels are now required to provide low-sodium salt as the default option on dining tables, a change supported by clinical data suggesting a significant reduction in strokes and heart-related deaths.

This initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and the "Healthy Living" movement, which aims to integrate wellness into the core of the emirate's tourism experience. While the policies took effect mid-year, businesses were granted a three-month grace period to adjust their operations, with full enforcement slated for October 1, 2026. Looking ahead, officials plan to continue collaborating with hospitality partners to research and scale further interventions, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can easily access nutritious meals throughout the city.