Source Credit: GULF NEWS
Sharjah City Municipality has started issuing permits for food establishments in preparation for Ramadan 2025. The new regulations are designed to govern food preparation, sales, and display before Iftar during the holy month, ensuring public safety and compliance with health standards.
The permits, available for restaurants, cafeterias, sweet shops, bakeries, and shopping malls, come with specific conditions. The guidelines are aimed at maintaining the quality and safety of food while supporting local businesses during Ramadan. The permits are divided into two categories: one for food preparation and sales, and the other for displaying food outside the premises before Iftar.
1. Permit for Food Preparation and Sales: A Dh3,000 fee applies for this permit, which applies to all food establishments, including those in shopping malls. The main requirements include:
- Food must be served off-site, meaning in-house dining is prohibited.
- Food preparation must take place only in kitchens, not in public spaces.
- The permit allows the establishment to prepare food during the fasting hours and sell it off-site.
2. Permit for Displaying Food Before Iftar: A Dh500 fee applies to eateries that wish to display food on the sidewalk before Iftar. This is specifically for restaurants, cafeterias, sweet shops, and bakeries. Key conditions include:
- Food must be displayed on the front sidewalk (if it's not sandy).
- It should be placed in non-corrosive metal containers, which must be enclosed in a glass box (minimum 100 cm high) with a sliding or hinged door.
- Food must be covered with food-grade materials like aluminium foil or transparent plastic.
- The food must be stored at an appropriate temperature (not chilled or frozen), ensuring freshness without compromising safety.
Food establishments are required to adhere strictly to these conditions for both the preparation and display of food. Additionally, all food must be prepared in line with the permitted activities under these new regulations.
Service Channels for Permit Issuance: The permits can be obtained through several service centers, including:
- Municipal Drawing Center (Al Nasiriyah)
- Tasareeh Center
- Al Raqam Wahed Center
- Municipality 24 Center
- Al Saqr Center
- Al Rolla Center
- Al Khalidiya Center
- Saif Center
- Al Malomat Center
- Al Saada Center
- Tawjeeh Center
These centers will assist food establishments with the permit application process, ensuring that all requirements are met before Ramadan begins.
As Ramadan is expected to start on Saturday, March 1, based on astronomical calculations, Sharjah's new guidelines aim to streamline food-related services during the holy month while ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
