In a landmark shift toward proactive public health policy, Abu Dhabi has announced a comprehensive ban on outdoor advertising for junk food and unhealthy beverages across the emirate, marking one of the most ambitious food marketing restrictions in the region. This initiative, launched under the Healthy Living Abu Dhabi programme led by the Department of Health, aims to curtail the visibility of fast food and other nutritionally poor products in public spaces. It is a strategic effort to combat obesity, diabetes and other diet-related chronic diseases that strain individuals and the healthcare system.
Under the new rules, any product deemed unhealthy based on strict nutritional thresholds, including high calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium or sugar, can no longer be advertised outdoors, whether on billboards, digital screens, street furniture or transport shelters. Products that meet healthier classifications (Grade A or B under Abu Dhabi’s SEHHI nutritional profile system) are the only ones allowed visibility in outdoor ads and even these must comply with detailed content criteria.
