UAE: Food safety measures tightened ahead of Hag Al Laila festivities in Ajman
As families prepare for the traditional celebration, which sees a surge in the consumption of sweets, juices, and festive treats, authorities have ramped up their efforts to verify the quality and safety of food products available in the market. The initiative aims to enforce strict compliance with health standards, ensuring that food handling, storage, and cleanliness measures meet regulatory requirements.
"Food safety is a top priority, especially during high-demand seasons like Hag Al Laila. Our intensified inspections and advanced lab testing ensure that food products meet the highest safety standards before reaching consumers. We are working closely with all food establishments to maintain strict compliance, and we urge businesses to uphold best practices to protect public health,' Dr Khaled Moeen Al Hosani, executive director of the Public Health and Environment Sector, told Khaleej Times.
He added thay the Public Health Department conducted extensive surveys of local markets, collecting food samples from major commercial centers and supermarkets.
Products such as sweets, juices, and promotional offers—typically consumed in large quantities during Hag Al Laila—were subjected to rigorous testing at the municipality's central food laboratories.
Using advanced chemical and microbiological analysis, specialists examined the samples for compliance with approved health standards. Tests focused on detecting potential contaminants, harmful additives, and spoilage risks to safeguard public health.
Reinforcing consumer confidence
Al Hosani noted preliminary findings from the laboratory tests revealed that most food establishments are adhering to safety and quality standards, reinforcing consumer confidence in the emirate's food supply chain.
Officials also noted that these inspections are crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses, particularly during periods of increased consumption.
Authorities, meanwhile, warned that violators found disregarding food safety regulations would face stringent penalties.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Future of Healthcare Summit to gather top experts in Dubai
Senior healthcare leaders from across the region are set to convene in Dubai for the 5th Future of Healthcare Summit 2025. Under the theme 'Echoes of Tomorrow | Building the Future of Care,' the summit will showcase the UAE's commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, technology and strategic collaboration. As the UAE reimagines its healthcare future in alignment with UAE Vision 2031, the summit emerges as a vital platform, not merely for dialogue but for decisive action. It will explore how advanced technologies such as AI, connected infrastructure, precision medicine and value-based care can be scaled responsibly, ensuring patient outcomes, access, and wellbeing remain at the heart of every transformation. In a special highlight, Khaleej Times will also unveil the UAE's top healthcare leaders, honouring individuals driving excellence, innovation and impact across the health sector. Future of Healthcare 2025 is designed to catalyse cross-sector collaboration. The event will convene senior leaders from ministries of health, private healthcare groups, digital health innovators, research institutions and strategic investors to shape sustainable, future-ready healthcare models tailored to the UAE's unique population needs and growth trajectory. The theme 'Echoes of Tomorrow | Building the Future of Care' serves as both a challenge and a call to action, reminding us that the healthcare decisions made today will reverberate for generations. In a country investing boldly in AI, smart cities, and health-tech ecosystems, the future of care is no longer conceptual; it is being actively engineered. KT Events is currently accepting speaker submissions from thought leaders driving transformation in digital health, patient experience, regulation and sustainable investment. Strategic sponsorship and media partnership opportunities are also available for brands seeking to align with the region's most influential healthcare decision-makers. As healthcare becomes central to the UAE's knowledge economy and technological leadership, the Future of Healthcare Summit 2025 stands as a landmark gathering, where global vision meets regional ambition and innovation leads the way forward. For those shaping the intersection of health, policy, and innovation in the UAE and beyond, this summit is a blueprint for the future of care.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Khaleej Times
AI, precision medicine: Future of Healthcare Summit 2025 to gather top experts in Dubai
Senior healthcare leaders from across the region are set to convene in Dubai for the 5th Future of Healthcare Summit 2025. Under the theme 'Echoes of Tomorrow | Building the Future of Care,' the summit will showcase the UAE's commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, technology, and strategic collaboration. As the UAE reimagines its healthcare future in alignment with UAE Vision 2031, the summit emerges as a vital platform, not merely for dialogue, but for decisive action. It will explore how advanced technologies such as AI, connected infrastructure, precision medicine, and value-based care can be scaled responsibly, ensuring patient outcomes, access, and wellbeing remain at the heart of every transformation. In a special highlight, Khaleej Times will also unveil the UAE's Top Healthcare Leaders, honouring individuals driving excellence, innovation, and impact across the health sector. Future of Healthcare 2025 is designed to catalyze cross-sector collaboration. The event will convene senior leaders from ministries of health, private healthcare groups, digital health innovators, research institutions, and strategic investors to shape sustainable, future-ready healthcare models tailored to the UAE's unique population needs and growth trajectory. The theme 'Echoes of Tomorrow | Building the Future of Care' serves as both a challenge and a call to action, reminding us that the healthcare decisions made today will reverberate for generations. In a country investing boldly in AI, smart cities, and health-tech ecosystems, the future of care is no longer conceptual; it is being actively engineered. KT Events is currently accepting speaker submissions from thought leaders driving transformation in digital health, patient experience, regulation, and sustainable investment. Strategic sponsorship and media partnership opportunities are also available for brands seeking to align with the region's most influential healthcare decision-makers. As healthcare becomes central to the UAE's knowledge economy and technological leadership, the Future of Healthcare Summit 2025 stands as a landmark gathering, where global vision meets regional ambition, and innovation leads the way forward. For those shaping the intersection of health, policy, and innovation in the UAE and beyond, this summit is a blueprint for the future of care.
Khaleej Times
04-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: As temperatures cross 51°C, some private sector employees call for hybrid work
As temperatures soar above 51°C this August, the UAE enters its most blistering phase of the year, a time when even stepping outside feels like nature's version of a sauna treatment, without the relaxation. While official warnings urge residents to stay inside, thousands of employees have no choice but to brave the scorching streets, sweating through daily commutes on buses and metros just to get to work. Until August 10, dry heatwaves and scorching temperatures are expected around the country amid the Al Mirzam season, which was marked by the rising of the Mirzam star, also known as Sirius, on July 29. Speaking to Khaleej Times, 34-year-old Filipino Socelle Fuentes called for more flexible work initiatives for private sector employees. The Dubai resident travels daily from International City to Jumeirah Lake Towers, where her office is located. "A flexible work-from-home policy during peak summer conditions would not only support employee wellbeing but could also enhance overall work performance," said Fuentes. The video editor also has a solution for private companies unable to go completely remote: "Firms in the UAE should consider offering employees the option to work from home at least one to two days a week during the summer months, if not for all five days." Impact on health As residents have been facing physical discomfort and heat-related illnesses, doctors in the UAE have also reported increased footfall in emergency room in recent days. Residents have been warned of fainting episodes, dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and worsening of chronic illnesses like heart or kidney disease during this period. Fuentes said, "The extreme heat and high humidity make even short commutes physically draining. Despite minimal exposure to the sun, the intense humidity often leads to discomfort and difficulty breathing, which can affect both health and productivity." For Indian expat Neeha, who works as a data scientist, it takes an hour to reach her workplace located inside Dubai Festival City. The resident walks from her home in Al Raffa daily, then uses the bus, metro and abra to reach her office. "For thousands of expatriates like myself who rely daily on public transportation to get to work, it becomes a test of endurance. From the moment I step out of my home, the heat becomes a relentless companion. By the time I walk from the bus stop to the metro, and then from the marine station to the office, I am soaking in sweat, dehydrated, and exhausted — before the workday has even begun." The expat, who wears an abaya while leaving the house, is worried about her health and wellbeing amid rising temperatures. She has even considered carrying a change of clothes to the office. "The scorching pavements and overcrowded transit areas turn every commute into a challenge. Stress builds up day after day, leaving little energy to focus, perform, or even enjoy life outside of work. For many of us, the summer commute feels like a second job — one we did not sign up for." Neeha praised Dubai for being a land of opportunities, but hopes for wider acceptance of hybrid work models during these extreme periods. "Digital infrastructure and hybrid work models are mature enough today to accommodate remote working, at least during the most extreme months. Recognising this struggle and enabling flexible work options wouldn't just improve productivity, it would show the kind of empathy and inclusivity Dubai aims to stand for." Packed public transport Despite the air conditioning system inside the metro, during the summer months, it tends to get hot and congested during the peak hours. For Talal Mansoor, a software designer working in Al Quoz, the journey can get challenging despite the amenities provided. "Travelling via metro and bus is generally pretty comfortable but, during peak hours, the air-conditioned bus stands are packed with people, so we end up standing out of the shade. Additionally, a growing population is increasing the rush-hour commute, and we have to skip a few trains at times. It would be favourable to have at least two days of work from home to balance the situation and make work life a little less hectic in this peak summer season." The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention has advised residents to wear breathable clothing to stay cool and minimise sweat during the summer, in addition to avoiding peak daytime heat to avoid fatigue and heat stroke. It's also crucial for residents to ensure they are hydrating by drinking a lot of refreshing fluids like anise, mint, hibiscus, and green tea. One should also use sunscreen to protect their skin. Flexibility offered In Dubai, since the past few years, government employees get flexible working hours during the summer months. This year, Dubai announced flexible working hours from July 1 until September 12. The temporary flexible working model aligns with the official five-day working hours. Employees have been divided into two groups, with the first group expected to work eight hours from Monday to Thursday and enjoy Friday as a full holiday. Meanwhile, the second group works seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday. The initiative is implemented based on each entity's discretion. Some private companies are also offering flexible working models. Natasha Hatherall, Founder and CEO of TishTash Communications, said her company works hybrid at all times and offers a "work from anywhere" option for up to four weeks a year. "I am known for my progressive and flexible approach to workplace polices. Employees usually use these four weeks to either work from their home country or a cooler climate in the summertime, which makes total sense. "I always believe and advocate for flexibility and tackling things on a case-by-case basis, but I do not believe we should all work from home full-time during the hot summer months. There are so many benefits of having some time together in the office for brainstorming and bonding. If a company has no flexibility or hybrid working, then maybe they can look at three days in office and a two-day work-from-home schedule to provide some balance." Natasha believes that the hot summer is a reality that people who move here choose. "Whilst uncomfortable, the country generally is set up for hot weather and we need to do the best we can around it, but I do not believe moving the entire workforce to work from home is the answer."
