Abu Dhabi hotels to get free Kosher certification services

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Abu Dhabi - Kosher is a term used to describe food that complies with the dietary standards of traditional Jewish regulations.

A Staff Reporter

Published: Wed 21 Oct 2020, 1:52 PM

An agreement inked on Tuesday will see Abu Dhabi's hotels officially certified for serving kosher meals. The Abu Dhabi Hotels Kosher Certification Project comes after food and beverage outlets at hotels were instructed to include kosher food options in their room service and restaurant menus.

Kosher is a term used to describe food that complies with the dietary standards of traditional Jewish regulations.

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The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT - Abu Dhabi) signed the agreement with the Emirates Agency for Kosher Certification, which is led by Rabbi Levi Duchman.

The agreement allows Abu Dhabi's hotel industry to have access to free kosher certification services for one year. It paves the way for Jewish tourists to visit the emirate, after the UAE's historic peace accord with Israel.

The certification demands eateries to designate an area in their kitchens for kosher food preparation. Menu items must be clearly labelled.

The Emirates Palace has become the Capital's first hotel to have a Kosher-certified kitchen.

Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT - Abu Dhabi, said: "One of the distinguishable aspects of Abu Dhabi culture is the diversity and inclusivity that tourists can experience in all aspects of their visit - from international cuisine offerings to cultural artefacts from all around the world.

"The certification project provides the opportunity for citizens and residents in the UAE to experience new food items, as we look forward to welcoming Jewish tourists from around the world to our city."

Rabbi Duchman, Founder and Executive Director of the Emirates Agency of Kosher Certification, said: "When Abu Dhabi welcomes people from across the world, we will make sure that our guests will have the ultimate comfort and be fully welcomed. Therefore, if our guests require kosher food, we will make sure we have kosher of the highest quality available. This is something beyond tolerance - it is much deeper and more special - that makes Abu Dhabi so special. Our team here at EAKC will continue to work closely with all food establishments, to assist and enable them to serve kosher food at the highest and best quality possible."

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