Arabic must in menus, restaurants told

Hefty fines of up to Dh100,000 will be imposed on restaurants which showcase menus in only foreign languages.

An order to this end will go into effect from today, and will be implemented by the Higher Committee for Consumer protection in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and the economic 
departments in the country, said Dr Hashim Al Nauimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy.

“The order is in line with the policy of the government on using Arabic as an essential language in all commercial and official transactions,” he said. Under the order, displaying menus are allowed in any language, provided Arabic is included in the food lists, he reiterated.

“The decision was taken by the committee at its recent meeting,” he said, noting that the Ministry of Economy and the committee 
will work together in issuing strategic decisions that contribute effectively to strengthening the appropriate trade practices. This, in turn, support the national economy.

“The committee has recommended to the Ministry of Economy to launch inspection crackdowns on eateries. It also called on consumers to use the hotline of the Ministry of Economy in reporting the restaurants or food outlets, which present menus only in languages other than Arabic.”

Dr Nuaimi called on members of the public to contact the ministry via the consumer protection call centre on 600522225 to inform them about food outlets that showcase menus only in languages other than in Arabic. — news@khaleejtimes.com