Abu Dhabi to Ban Junk Food at Supermarket Checkouts From 2027

Supermarkets across Abu Dhabi must change how they display unhealthy food and drinks from 1 January 2027. Products high in fat, salt or sugar will no longer be allowed in the most visible, impulse-buy areas of a store. The measure is designed to make the healthier choice the easier choice without removing any product from sale.

The policy was launched by the government-led wellbeing movement Healthy Living in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the business-regulation arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

What the rule restricts

In physical stores, HFSS food and beverage products may no longer be positioned in high-exposure locations, specifically:
•    Store entrances
•    End-of-aisle displays
•    Checkout counters and checkout areas

Online, the same products cannot be featured prominently on:
•    Homepages
•    Search results
•    Promotional pop-ups
•    Checkout pages

What does not change

The rules govern placement and promotion, not availability. HFSS products remain fully on sale and stay available on regular supermarket shelves for customers to buy. Authorities have stressed that the policy changes visibility and impulse purchasing rather than personal choice.

Scope and classification
The physical-store requirements apply to supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet. Products are deemed unhealthy according to the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s SEHHI nutrition classification, which determines which items are treated as high in fat, salt or sugar.

Authorities behind the policy

The policy was introduced by Healthy Living with ADRA and developed together with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).

It forms part of a wider healthy-living campaign in the emirate that has also introduced restrictions on junk food in school canteens and limits on fast-food advertising.

How retailers are responding

Major retailers say they are already reviewing store layouts, checkout displays and online platforms ahead of the deadline, and expect healthier alternatives to move into the prime positions previously used for impulse purchases.

Choithrams says compliant items such as sugar-free gum can stay at the checkout, and sees room to introduce healthier options there; its CEO noted that changing where products sit also changes how quickly they sell, with knock-on effects for stock and supply. GMG is rolling out healthier checkout options across its stores, and its new Monoprix Abu Dhabi store is set to include at least one "Healthy Checkout." Lulu Group says it is giving healthier alternatives greater visibility and has expanded its healthier range through global sourcing. Carrefour has been reported among the first chains to complete the required changes ahead of the mandatory deadline.