The new Abu Dhabi food placement policy will stop unhealthy food and drinks from being displayed at supermarket checkouts, entrances and other high-visibility areas from January 1, 2027.
ABU DHABI: Picking up chocolates or sugary drinks while waiting at the checkout could soon become less common in Abu Dhabi.
The emirate has announced a new Abu Dhabi food placement policy that will stop supermarkets and online grocery platforms from placing unhealthy food and drinks in the most visible areas where shoppers are most likely to make impulse purchases.
The policy, introduced by Healthy Living in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), will become mandatory from January 1, 2027. It applies to supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet and also covers online supermarket platforms.
Also Read: Emirates Park Zoo & Resort wins Best Destination UAE honour
Under the new rules, food and drinks that are high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) can no longer be displayed at store entrances, checkout counters or end-of-aisle displays. Online supermarkets must also stop promoting these products on home pages, search results, promotional pop-ups and checkout screens.
The aim is not to ban these products. Shoppers will still be able to buy them, but they will no longer be placed in the areas where they attract the most attention.
Officials say the move is designed to make healthy choices easier without limiting consumer choice. The policy is based on the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s SEHHI nutrition classification and was developed with support from the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.
Also read: AI drives real-time decision logic in UAE’s AED 300 billion retail market
Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director-General of ADRA, said the initiative puts consumers’ health and well-being first while helping people make more informed choices when shopping.
Dr Ahmed AlKhazraiji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, said research shows that changing where products are displayed can influence buying habits. When healthier products are seen first, people are more likely to choose them.
Retailers have already started preparing for the new rules. Carrefour has become one of the first supermarket chains to complete the changes across its Abu Dhabi stores ahead of the deadline.
Also read: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to open December 11, 2026, bringing world-class art to the UAE
Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said the company is proud to support Abu Dhabi’s vision of creating healthier shopping environments and making it easier for customers to make better food choices.
The Abu Dhabi food placement policy is part of the emirate’s wider efforts to improve public health by encouraging healthier lifestyles through practical, everyday changes.
