Abu Dhabi expands SEHHI program to strengthen workplace nutrition with new technical guidelines

UAE—The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has expanded the SEHHI programme to improve access to healthier food options across workplaces in Abu Dhabi, introducing updated technical guidelines that promote better nutrition in daily working environments.

The initiative strengthens preventive health efforts by embedding healthier choices within settings where people spend most of their time.

By integrating nutrition standards into workplace food services, the programme aims to make balanced diets more accessible, practical, and convenient for employees across both public and private sectors.

This expansion reflects a shift toward preventive healthcare, where health promotion moves beyond hospitals and clinics into everyday environments.

It focuses on influencing dietary behaviours at the point of consumption, enabling individuals to make healthier choices without additional effort or complexity.

ADPHC continues to position workplace wellness as a key pillar of its long-term public health strategy.

In addition, the updated SEHHI framework introduces structured and actionable standards that organisations can apply directly within their food provision systems.

These standards guide employers and service providers in redesigning menus and food environments to support healthier consumption patterns.

Workplace nutrition standards and guidelines

The technical guideline requires workplaces to display calorie information at all food service points and ensures that at least 30 per cent of available menu items meet SEHHI nutritional criteria.

It also regulates the availability of healthier meals, snacks, beverages, and vending machine products, improving the visibility of nutritious options and encouraging informed choices among employees.

Implementation roles and accountability

The guideline defines clear roles for employers, food vendors, and service providers to ensure consistent implementation across all participating workplaces.

It includes registration requirements, appointment of focal points, approval of food items, staff training programmes, awareness campaigns, and ongoing monitoring to track progress and impact over time.

Employers are encouraged to actively participate in the programme by adopting the framework through official SEHHI channels.

This ensures alignment with national health priorities while supporting workplace environments that promote long-term behavioural change.

Leadership perspective on workplace health

His Excellency Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, stated that workplaces play a central role in shaping daily health habits.

He explained that expanding the SEHHI programme helps make healthy choices the easiest option by redesigning environments to support better decision-making.

He further noted that Abu Dhabi is witnessing a practical transition toward preventive health through initiatives embedded in everyday life.

Scope of implementation across Abu Dhabi

The updated guideline applies to all workplaces in Abu Dhabi that provide food and beverage services, including cafeterias, catering operations, vending machines, kiosks, and coffee stations.

Organizations across sectors are expected to align with the new requirements as part of broader efforts to improve population health outcomes through environmental and behavioural interventions.

Stakeholders will continue collaborating with ADPHC to strengthen nutrition standards and improve workplace wellness outcomes across Abu Dhabi.