The serving of kosher foods at restaurants and food facilities in the UAE capital will be facilitated by Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), according to a new advisory.
Following a historic peace deal to normalise relations between the UAE and Israel on September 15, 2020, circulars were issued by the government to ensure the availability of kosher food at restaurant establishments for the Jewish community in the country.
ADAFSA will be responsible for ensuring the compliance of restaurants and food facilities with the standards set by the Emirates Agency for Kosher Certification. They will ensure that products are labelled kosher and displayed in designated areas. They will also be responsible for checking and maintaining the health and safety of kosher products.
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental was the first hotel in Abu Dhabi to received kosher compliance of its kitchens. Other hotels, including resorts, have followed suit.
“The Abu Dhabi Hotels Kosher Certification Project provides the opportunity for citizens and residents in the UAE to experience new food items, as we look forward to welcoming Jewish tourists from around the world to our city,” Rabbi Levi Duchman, founder and executive director of the Emirates Agency for Kosher Certification, said in a statement.
“This initiative is all part of the Abu Dhabi Government vision for the emirate to be a home for all people of all cultures and religious backgrounds and a true beacon of light to all of our neighbors.”
Several Dubai hotels have also implemented kosher certification, Habtoor Group being among the largest hotel groups to actively pursue the new Israeli market. First larger groups were expected towards the second half of December 2020, however, due to the worsening of the Covid-19 pandemic in Israeli, the groups were cancelled.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi – Mandarin Oriental – kosher food resaurants
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