Abu Dhabi bans outdoor ads for unhealthy food, drinks
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Abu Dhabi has introduced new regulations banning outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and beverages across the emirate, in a move aimed at improving public health.
The rules, issued by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, took effect at the end of 2025. They prohibit the promotion of food and drink products classified as unhealthy under the SEHHI nutritional profiling system, specifically those rated Grades C, D or E.
The policy applies to all entities licensed in Abu Dhabi involved in outdoor food and beverage advertising. This includes advertisers and agencies, media owners and publishers, manufacturers, restaurants and cafes, hospitality operators, retailers and grocery chains.
Under the regulations, products in the restricted categories cannot be advertised on billboards, building facades, street furniture, transport shelters, taxis or delivery vehicles. Brand-only advertisements by food and beverage companies are also banned. Each advertisement must feature a specific product that meets approved nutritional standards.
Only items rated SEHHI Grade A or B may be promoted outdoors. The advertised product must occupy at least 30 per cent of the total advertisement space. For meal-based promotions, the nutritional assessment will apply to the entire offering, including side dishes, beverages and sauces.
All food and beverage advertisements must undergo a formal nutritional review and receive approval before being granted an outdoor advertising permit.
The Department of Health said the policy is mandatory. Violations may result in fines, removal of non-compliant advertisements and further permit-related measures under Law No. 2 of 2012, the General Appearance Law of Abu Dhabi.
Compliance will be monitored through routine approvals and data collected by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, with nutritional oversight provided by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. Authorities said the main measure of success will be the reduction and eventual elimination of unhealthy food advertising from public spaces in the emirate.
