Abu Dhabi’s SEHHI Mandate: What Hotels and Tourist Outlets Need to Change Before October 1

There are several major transformations in displaying and serving healthy foods for Abu Dhabi’s hospitality industry. In accordance with DCT Abu Dhabi Circular No. 7/2026, all hotels and tourism-licensed F&B outlets will be required to adhere to the new SEHHI guidelines for healthy dining from October 1, 2026.

The initiative, which was created in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, transitions healthy dining away from a voluntary initiative and into compliance. The new deadline for making recipe changes and securing approvals and updates is now at the end of September.

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What Does the SEHHI Mandate Require?

For the adult menus, they must also serve at least one SEHHI approved dish in every food category – main course, side dish, dessert and appetizer. Food served in certified dishes should adhere to guidelines on such standards as saturated fat, added sugar, sodium and nutrient density.

There is an added demand for the children’s menus. The 50% goal, which provides some clear incentives for hotels and restaurants that will redesign popular kids’ meals to meet SEHHI standards, helps people understand that children are welcome to a care-free and balanced meal during their vacation. Operators can also portion approved dishes for the adults, and make them smaller for children.

SEHHI Certification and Menu Labelling

Meals at restaurants have to be specifically termed “healthy” or “low-calorie”. Any dishes eligible for the challenge are required to be evaluated and certified by appropriate health departments.

Food premises, once approved, are obliged to have the SEHHI logo on their physical menus and digital ordering systems or QR Code menus as well as the certified food items. It enables customers to easily discern this distinction in food and nutritionally sound products, and helps businesses meet the new standards.

What Hotels and Restaurants Do Now?

The transition period of September 30 is fast approaching and hotel or restaurant owners should make the most of it for a detailed review and audit of their menus. Chefs and nutrition teams may research any idea for reformulating some dishes to prepare recipe cards and nutritional information for submission.

In addition, businesses should check children’s menus, and ensure digital menus are updated and approved SEHHI branding is displayed properly on all customer-facing menus. Seasonal menus and recipes can also be subject to change and may also need to be re-approved.

Which Outlets are Exempt?

Some businesses could be exempt from the requirement. The framework outlined in the directive provides exemptions to buffet-only restaurants, fixed tasting-menu restaurants, some restaurants (with 3 or fewer food categories), and restaurants that sell beverages only.

But it is important to establishments to check its individual status and licensing category, especially when claiming an exemption.

Why the October 1 Deadline Matters?

Starting October 1, compliance is no longer just a wellness option, but a license-related one. So the first thing on the mind of hotels, resorts and tourism-oriented restaurants in Abu Dhabi is being operationally ready.

The SEHHI mandate may help drive change in hotel food service, increasing awareness and the intentional presence of options for healthier meals for residents and guests. If businesses are not properly prepared, their menus, recipes and certification will be issued that come up if they are not ready for.

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