Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Businesses in Sharjah must secure a Dh500 permit to display food outside their shops before iftar during Ramadan, the Sharjah City Municipality announced. The permit applies to restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, and sweet shops, including those operating inside shopping malls. Establishments must meet strict guidelines to obtain the permit, ensuring food safety and hygiene. During Ramadan, food preparation and cooking must be done strictly within designated kitchens, and dining inside the premises is prohibited before iftar. The municipality emphasized that these measures are intended to uphold public health standards while accommodating the high demand for takeaway meals during the fasting month. Businesses displaying food outside their shops before iftar must comply with specific regulations. Food can only be placed directly in front of the establishment on clean sidewalks, avoiding dirt or dust contamination. Food items must be stored in non-rusting metal containers and enclosed in a sealed glass case that is at least 100 cm high, equipped with a sliding or hinged door. Additional guidelines include covering food with aluminum foil or transparent, food-grade plastic to maintain hygiene. Packaging materials must be food-safe, and displayed food should be kept at an appropriate temperature—neither refrigerated nor frozen. Only food prepared within the establishment, based on its licensed activity, is allowed for display. To facilitate the permit process, the municipality has designated multiple service centers across Sharjah, including the Municipal Drawing Center (Al Nasiriyah), Tasareeh Center, and Al Rolla Center. Other centers such as Al Khalidiya, Al Saada, and Tawjeeh are also authorized to issue permits. Authorities have urged businesses to comply with the new rules to avoid penalties. Other emirates have also issued guidelines for outdoor food sales, including similar permit requirements in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Officials will conduct inspections throughout Ramadan to ensure compliance, with fines imposed on businesses violating the regulations. ICA/Expat Media
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