Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has announced that they will allow the city’s hotel industry to have access to free kosher certification for a year starting October 20,2020. 

Under an agreement with the Emirates Agency for Kosher Certification, hotels in Abu Dhabi will be able to serve kosher certified meals in their establishments. This agreement comes after food and beverage outlets at hotels began to include kosher food options on their room service and restaurant menus.

According to the certification, all hotels and food and beverage outlets across the capital will have to begin designating an area for kosher food preparation in their kitchens. They will also label kosher menu items with a special symbol. The United Arab Emirates capital’s flagship Emirates Palace is currently Abu Dhabi’s first hotel to have a Kosher certified kitchen with more expected to follow suit. 

“We are excited to be part of history as we assist the hotels to provide kosher options that will strengthen tourism. This initiative is all part of the Abu Dhabi Government vision for the emirate to be a home for all people of all cultures and religious backgrounds and a true beacon of light to all of our neighbours,” said Rabbi Levi Duchman, founder and executive director of the Emirates Agency of Kosher Certification.

The Emirates Agency for Kosher Certification was established earlier this year. The organization assesses food products and services to ensure compliance with kosher cuisine standards. Businesses can undergo kosher assessment by EAKC’s Rabbinic Coordinators by applying online via the EAKC official website: www.eakc.ae.

This agreement follows the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism’s move to grant frontline heroes and three guests free access to two cultural institutions. For the next six months starting October 21st, frontline workers and their guests will be granted free admission to Qasr Al Hosn and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Frontline heroes include medical and non-medical staff in healthcare facilities, and those working in prevention and protection. This includes those who work in crisis management, security and emergency services, sterilisation, and volunteering.

Abu Dhabi’s decision to promote kosher cuisine will provide Jewish visitors and residents with the opportunity to observe reverence and adhere to religious tradition comfortably. This initiative will promote religious tolerance while creating a welcoming environment for people of all religions and backgrounds within the UAE.

For more information, you can check out the Emirate agency’s official website

visuals courtesy of publicist