Why We Need to Start Talking About Food Allergies in the UAE

“Do you have any allergies?” 

It’s a standard question you’ve probably been asked hundreds of times by waiters in restaurants after you’ve ordered your favourite dish. And your go-to answer is probably, “No,” without a second thought.  

But did you know that food allergies affect around 10% of the global population, according to the World Health Organisation?(1) That’s one in ten people - so when you're at dinner with a group of ten friends, chances are at least one person around the table is living with a potentially life-threatening food allergy. 

Allergies in the UAE: A growing health concern 

The UAE is no exception. It’s well established that following economic development and urbanisation, the prevalence of allergic conditions increases (2), meaning that as the UAE has rapidly evolved so have the health conditions in our population.  

Smart Salem hears from Farwah Bukhari, Marketing Associate, who shares how a recent dinner in Dubai gave her a deeper appreciation for the challenges of living with food allergies. 

Food for Thought 

I was recently at dinner with a group of friends, and it just so happened that the two people sitting on either side of me were both managing food allergies. While I’m fortunate enough to be able to eat almost anything, I paused to consider how challenging it must be to dine out in Dubai, where we’re spoiled for choice with an abundance of incredible restaurants. 

One friend is allergic to mushrooms, and the other has coeliac disease. I quietly observed as they both scanned the set menu with extra care, consulted the waiting staff, negotiated substitutions, and checked their meals thoroughly when they arrived. 

Understanding Coeliac Disease 

When I asked more questions (and I had many!), I discovered my friend with coeliac disease wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood - at twenty years old. While coeliac disease is not considered a food allergy or a food intolerance, it’s an autoimmune disorder which causes digestive problems when you eat gluten, a protein that’s found in wheat and other grains. From having food freedom to suddenly having to call ahead, check every label at the supermarket, and navigate cross-contamination, it quickly became clear: living with a food allergy or coeliac disease is no joke. 

Although most allergies are first diagnosed in childhood, adult-onset food allergies are becoming increasingly common. 

Food Code 2.0 Explained 

If you have a food allergy, you’ll know the struggle of dining out all too well. But there’s some good news: thanks to the UAE’s Food Code 2.0, restaurants are legally required to provide written allergen information - whether that’s on a printed menu, digital display, or a board. And when it comes to buffets (which Dubai is famously known for), each dish must have allergen information listed separately. 

If you don’t have allergies, this is the kind of info you might skim past. But for someone who does, it’s often the first thing they look for. And despite how crucial this step is, many still feel reluctant to speak up, not wanting to be that fussy friend. Sometimes, it’s easier to say no to the pancakes for breakfast invitation, than to navigate the awkward conversation. 

It becomes even more confusing when you start experiencing symptoms out of nowhere. They don’t quite add up, they’re hard to track, and you’re left treating the discomfort rather than understanding the cause. Antihistamines may help temporarily, but they’re not getting to the root of the issue. 

The Role of Testing 

So, what’s the solution to all of this? Testing. 

Getting to the bottom of your symptoms is key. It offers not just peace of mind, but also a clearer path forward, so you don’t have to cancel dinner plans, feel left out, or worry about burdening others. 

At Smart Salem, our Food Allergy Test gives you an in-depth understanding of which foods could be triggering allergic reactions. But we don’t stop there - we’ll also provide personalised recommendations to help you adjust your diet in a way that works for you. 

Because in a world where food allergies can feel isolating, you don’t have to face them alone. 

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