Abu Dhabi supermarkets have cleared junk food from high‑traffic zones.
The change follows a fresh directive that obliges retailers across the emirate to pull unhealthy items from store entrances, aisle ends and checkout counters. The measure is part of the Abu Dhabi Healthy Living programme, which aims to reshape everyday food choices.
Supermarket aisles get a health‑first makeover
At the checkout counters of a Carrefour branch in Abu Dhabi, the shelves of chocolate and gum that once lined the queue are gone. The removal is a direct result of the new high‑traffic zone rules, and shoppers are already noticing the cleaner layout.
"It's an excellent, healthy step that will change many habits for us and our children, especially impulse buying at the counter. The checkout is a temptation zone; we buy things with no health benefit, just to fill the waiting time."
— Rawdha Mohammed, Omani resident
"Unhealthy products at the supermarket entrance always bothered me, especially in those tempting promotional bundles. They distract you from your actual needs."
— Omaima Saleh, Jordanian resident
Labels and apps guide healthier choices
Packaged foods are increasingly carrying the Nutri‑Mark label, a front‑of‑pack grading system that rates products from A, the highest nutritional value, to E, the lowest. Jamal Abdulaziz, an Egyptian resident, said the labels pushed him to swap items after seeing sugar and hydrogenated oil levels.
"The labels pushed me to swap some products once I saw the sugar and hydrogenated oil levels in them. Honestly, I never used to pay attention, and most were my daily items: chocolate, chips, juices. I still love them, but my health matters more in the long run."
— Jamal Abdulaziz, Egyptian resident
The TAMM app is filling gaps the labels haven’t yet covered. Maha Ahmed, an Emirati, explained that the app classifies food items for shoppers, helping them make informed choices even when a label is absent.
"I use the TAMM app, and it helps a lot, especially with products that don't carry labels yet, because it classifies the food items for you."
— Maha Ahmed, Emirati resident
For families like Mansour Alhashmi’s, who count more than nine members, the disappearance of sweets at the cashier translates into lower household spend and fewer health concerns. The combined effect of revamped aisles, clear labeling and digital tools suggests a lasting shift toward healthier shopping habits in Abu Dhabi. Frequently asked questions What is the Abu Dhabi junk food ban? The ban is a directive under the Abu Dhabi Healthy Living programme that requires supermarkets to remove junk food from high‑traffic zones such as store entrances, aisle ends and checkout counters.
How does the Healthy Living programme affect supermarket layouts?
It forces retailers to clear sugary snacks from prominent spots, creating a healthier aisle design and reducing impulse purchases at checkout.
What does the Nutri‑Mark label indicate?
Nutri‑Mark is a front‑of‑pack grading system that rates products from A (highest nutritional value) to E (lowest), helping shoppers identify healthier options.
How does the TAMM app help shoppers choose healthier foods?
The TAMM app classifies food items and provides health information, especially for products without a Nutri‑Mark label, guiding consumers toward better choices.
