Ramadan in UAE: Sharjah steps up inspections of food outlets, sets rules for sales during daytime

Khaleej Times

01-03-2025

Sharjah Municipality will be intensifying inspections of food outlets throughout Ramadan to protect public health and to ensure they adhere to food safety. The municipality issued the necessary permits for food preparation and sales during daylight hours, including at shopping malls.
The municipality said that as part of the regulations for food preparation and sales during daylight hours, all food must be prepared inside designated kitchens, and customers are not allowed to dine within the premises.
For displaying food outside outlets before iftar, several requirements must be met, including:
The food must be placed directly on a paved sidewalk (not on a sandy area).
The food must be stored in stainless steel containers, and displayed in a tightly sealed glass box at least 100cm in height with a sliding or hinged door.
All food must be covered with food-grade aluminium or transparent plastic wrap, and packaging materials must also meet food safety standards.
The displayed food must be kept at an appropriate temperature, neither refrigerated nor frozen, and prepared within the establishment licensed for the activity.
Sharjah has designated 380 inspectors to oversee food safety measures and address violations immediately. The municipality's inspection campaigns include verifying food permits, ensuring proper hygiene in food preparation, and preventing unauthorised food sales in public spaces.
"Our teams are working diligently to monitor compliance with food safety regulations, ensuring that all establishments follow the highest hygiene standards. The goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for residents and visitors during this sacred month," underscored Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, director general of Sharjah City Municipality
Sharjah Municipality also urged the public to report any violations or concerns through its 24/7 contact centre at 993.
Inspections in Ajman
Meanwhile, Ajman's municipal slaughterhouses have completed full sanitary inspections and are now equipped with enhanced facilities and veterinary supervision to ensure a hygienic, high-quality meat supply.
The municipality has also partnered with the "Zabehaty" app, which enables residents to order fresh meat under official health and safety regulations.