Food Manifest 
Key Update
In a major move to promote healthier lifestyles, the Abu Dhabi government has introduced strict regulations banning advertisements for unhealthy food and beverages across public spaces in the emirate. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi issued the new rules, which will take effect by the end of 2025. The policy aims to curb poor dietary habits and reduce the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
Strict Controls on Outdoor Advertising
Under the new regulations, public spaces will no longer display advertisements promoting junk food or nutritionally poor beverages. The ban applies to billboards, building facades, street furniture, bus shelters, taxis, delivery vehicles, and other outdoor physical and digital media platforms. The policy covers all entities licensed in Abu Dhabi that advertise or promote food and beverage (F&B) products outdoors, including:
- Advertisers and advertising agencies
- Media owners and publishers
- Food and beverage manufacturers
- Restaurants, cafes, and hospitality operators
- Retailers and grocery chains
What Is Banned
The regulations prohibit the advertisement of any food or beverage product classified as unhealthy under the SEHHI nutritional profiling system, specifically Grades C, D, or E. Authorities will revise the policy in 2028 to assess its effectiveness and make updates if needed. The rules also ban brand-only advertisements by food and beverage companies. Every advertisement must display a specific food or drink product. Only items that meet defined nutritional standards will qualify for outdoor promotion.
What Is Allowed
Products that meet SEHHI Grade A or B standards may appear in outdoor advertisements. The circular states that the featured food or beverage must occupy at least 30 per cent of the total advertisement space. For meal-based promotions, authorities will assess the nutritional profile of the entire meal, including side dishes, beverages, sauces, and accompaniments. Every advertisement must undergo a formal nutritional review and obtain approval before the authorities issue the final outdoor advertising permit.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The policy is mandatory. Authorities will impose financial penalties and remove non-compliant advertisements if entities violate the rules. Officials may also take further permit-related action. Violations will attract fines under Law No. 2 of 2012, the General Appearance Law of Abu Dhabi.
Authorities will monitor compliance through routine approval systems and data collected by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, with nutritional oversight linked to the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. Officials said they will measure the policy’s success by tracking the reduction — and eventual elimination — of unhealthy food advertising from Abu Dhabi’s outdoor environment.
Source: Khaleej Times
