YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI)
Hotel restaurants in Abu Dhabi must now replace standard table salt with a potassium-enriched variety, according to a circular from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The department's Circular No. 8/2026 defines potassium-enriched salt as one "containing a minimum of 25% potassium chloride (KCl) as a substitute for standard sodium chloride (NaCl)". The requirement covers saltshakers, sachets, packets, and any other way customers add salt to food after service.
"Provision of regular table salt is permitted only when the request is proactively made by the customer and no action has been taken by the establishment to prompt such a request," the circular states.
Potassium-enriched salt is widely regarded as a healthier alternative to regular salt because of its lower sodium content. The World Health Organisation's 2025 guideline noted that lower-sodium salt substitutes are increasingly viewed by public health authorities as a potential sodium reduction strategy to lower blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.
What the Policy Covers
Abu Dhabi's new policy applies to all restaurants and food and beverage outlets holding a valid DCT Abu Dhabi Tourism Licence, including cafés, bars and hotel room service. It excludes retail outlets selling food not intended for immediate consumption, such as supermarkets.
It took effect on July 1, with a three-month implementation grace period allowing establishments to adapt to the requirements without administrative penalties. Full compliance and enforcement will begin on October 1.
The circular clarified that restaurants are not required to offer salt seasoning - but if they do, it must meet the new standard. The memo also made clear that diners remain responsible for their own dietary choices, and restaurants aren't required to assess, request, verify, or retain guests' health information.
Establishments are encouraged to inform customers that potassium-enriched salt is in use, to support transparency and help guests make informed choices.
Enforcement and Compliance
To ensure compliance, DCT Abu Dhabi officials may request documentary evidence showing the purchase and use of salt that meets the required specifications, according to the circular.
Where applicable, establishments may instead be required to provide a declaration confirming that discretionary salt seasoning is not offered to customers.
Businesses are expected to respond to compliance-related requests within the specified timeframe. Failure to comply with the requirements may result in regulatory or administrative action, including enforcement measures affecting an establishment's Tourism Licence, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and resolutions.
Part of a Wider Health Strategy
The measure is being implemented in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Healthy Living Sector at the Department of Health, expanding the emirate's push to integrate health considerations into hospitality sector.
It follows other recent initiatives - including a circular requiring hotel restaurants and eligible F&B outlets with valid tourism licences to offer a minimum number of healthy food options on their menus.