UAE Ministry of Health launches ‘Healthy Restaurant' initiative in Sharjah

UAE, October 25, 2015 – The UAE Ministry of Health represented by its Health Clinics and Centers’ Health Education and Promotion Department, recently organized its third educational workshop in Sharjah forming part of the ‘Healthy Restaurant’ initiative which saw the participation of 15 restaurants. The workshop is one of the promotional activities of the initiative which was introduced earlier in other emirates. The first educational workshop was hosted in Ajman and gathered 15 restaurants participated, while 14 restaurants assembled for the second workshop in Fujairah. 

The ‘Healthy Restaurant’ initiative is part of another campaign, ‘Raising Awareness about Various Lifestyles in Society,’ which was launched after a cabinet retreat. Dr. Fadila Mohammed Sharif, Director of the Ministry of Health’s Health Education and Promotion Department, opened the workshop by introducing the initiative to the participating restaurants, explaining the terms and conditions of participation, and how to register for it.

Dr. Sharif said: “Non-communicable diseases are one of health challenges that the Ministry has given a high priority in the last few years because of the huge financial burden to the patients. Eating unhealthy food is one of the primary causes of these diseases. There is a growing trend towards eating out which is not exclusive to special occasions anymore. Raising awareness among consumers on what they are eating as well as encouraging them to make healthy choices has become vital. At the same time, healthy food should be readily available to help them make good choices, which is the basic aim of the initiative.”

The Director of the Health Education and Promotion Department expressed her gratitude to the Sharjah Municipality and the Sharjah Economic Development Department for extending their support to the ‘Healthy Restaurant’ initiative. She also thanked all the participating restaurants.  

Khadija Al Amiri, Health Educator for the Ministry of Health’s Health Education and Promotion Department, said: “The ‘Healthy Restaurant’ initiative is a voluntary program that will enable individuals to make healthy decisions as well as encourage restaurants to offer healthy meals by improving their menus.”

“Interested restaurants can have their menus reviewed for nutrient analysis by the Ministry to offer at least two healthy meals for adults and one for children along with fresh juices. The Ministry will offer the required support through its nutritionists to not only develop healthy menus but also provide required training and education. In addition, the participating food establishments will be promoted by the Ministry’s various social media channels and its partners as healthy restaurants,” Al Amiri concluded.