Halal food in the United Arab Emirates refers to all food prepared according to Islamic dietary laws—and in the UAE, halal is the default standard. As a Muslim country, the UAE requires all meat to be halal-certified, making it one of the easiest destinations for Muslim travelers to find halal food. Explore halal certification for more information.
The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers world-class halal dining spanning every cuisine imaginable, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.
How Accessible Is Halal Food in the UAE?
Halal food is exceptionally accessible in the UAE—it’s virtually universal:
- All restaurants: Serve halal food by law
- All supermarkets: Stock halal meat
- All fast food chains: Halal-certified
- Hotels: Default to halal except designated pork sections
- Street food: All halal
The UAE’s strict food regulations ensure halal compliance across the food industry.
Popular Foods in the UAE
The UAE offers diverse cuisines, all halal:
Emirati dishes:
- Al Machboos: Spiced rice with meat
- Al Harees: Wheat and meat porridge
- Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings
- Shawarma and kebabs
International cuisines:
- Indian and Pakistani
- Lebanese and Middle Eastern
- Turkish and Persian
- Asian (Chinese, Thai, Japanese)
- Western (all halal adaptations)
Fine dining: Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai all serve halal food.
Halal Certification in the UAE
The UAE has strict halal regulations:
Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA): Oversees halal certification
Key points:
- All imported meat must be halal-certified
- Local slaughterhouses follow halal practices
- Regular inspections ensure compliance
- Heavy penalties for violations
- One of the world’s strictest halal systems
Is the UAE a Muslim Country?
Yes, the UAE is a Muslim country:
- Islam: Official religion
- 76% Muslim population: Including Emiratis and residents
- Mosques everywhere: Call to prayer heard five times daily
- Sharia influence: On family and personal status laws
- Respectful of other religions: Churches, temples, and gurdwaras exist
Best Areas for Dining
Dubai
- Downtown Dubai: World-class restaurants
- Dubai Marina: Waterfront dining
- Al Fahidi (Old Dubai): Traditional Emirati food
- Deira: Lebanese and Iranian restaurants
- JBR: Beach dining, all halal
Abu Dhabi
- Corniche: Waterfront restaurants
- Yas Island: Entertainment district dining
- Al Mina: Traditional markets and food
- Saadiyat Island: Upscale options
Halal Fine Dining in Dubai
Dubai offers exceptional halal fine dining:
- Pierchic: Seafood on the pier
- Ossiano: Underwater restaurant
- Zuma: Japanese cuisine
- La Petite Maison: French-Mediterranean
- Tresind Studio: Indian fine dining
- Nobu: Japanese-Peruvian fusion
All are halal by default in the UAE.
Is the UAE Safe for Muslims?
The UAE is exceptionally safe and welcoming:
- Low crime rate: One of the safest countries
- Islamic infrastructure: Mosques, prayer rooms everywhere
- Halal guaranteed: No need to verify
- Religious tolerance: Respectful environment
- Modern facilities: World-class amenities
Pork and Alcohol in the UAE
Pork:
- Available only at licensed venues
- Separate “pork rooms” in supermarkets
- Never mixed with halal products
- Clearly labeled
Alcohol:
- Available at licensed hotels, restaurants, bars
- Not sold in regular supermarkets
- Many restaurants are alcohol-free
- Drinking in public is prohibited
Supermarket Shopping
All supermarkets stock halal products:
- Carrefour: Extensive halal selection
- Spinneys: Premium halal products
- Lulu Hypermarket: Wide variety
- Union Coop: Local chain
- Waitrose: Premium options
Pork sections are separate and clearly marked.
Practical Tips
- Assume halal: All food is halal unless in designated pork section 2 Compare with halal.