UAE, May 8, 2017- The Ministry of Health and Prevention has organized an induction workshop for food catering companies to shed light on the objectives and the nutritional standards of the newly launched ‘Health Meeting’ initiative. The initiative supports the ongoing effort to promote workplace practices that make healthy eating choices available at all work-related events.

Dr. Fadila Mohammed Sharif, Director of the Health Education and Promotion Department, said that the initiative is part of Ministry of Health and Prevention - Health Promoting Work Environment Program, which serves the Ministry’s objectives to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in UAE society by promoting healthy lifestyles; build healthy local communities; increase community awareness on the importance of physical activity and eating healthy food; and tobacco cessation. The Ministry also seeks to create a friendly environment conducive to healthy living and encourages the active participation of local communities and civil society institutions in promoting health-related programs.

Nouf Khamis, Deputy Manager of Health Education and Promotion Department added that the initiative aims to encourage food-catering companies to provide healthy meals according to the approved criteria and requirements. She also emphasized the impact of the work environment on the health and safety of the employees, which could influence their efforts to engage in healthy eating habits and physical activities. An employee spends a large part of his day working and attending office meetings. They tend to consume a significant proportion of their meals during their working hours. Fatty meals and unhealthy drinks with high servings of sugar are often served during these meetings instead of more healthy options. Hence, workplace environment that supports healthy eating can significantly contribute to the health and wellbeing of all employees by providing variety of healthy options.