Skip to main content

Hotels in the Emirates explore turning kitchens kosher

Israeli business people are already in contact with hotels at the United Arab Emirates, who wish to accommodate their kitchens to the Israeli tourists.
Tourists sunbathe by the pool of the Al Naseem hotel in the Gulf emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, on July 7, 2020. - With a "welcome" passport sticker and coronavirus tests on arrival, Dubai reopens its doors to international visitors in the hope of reviving its tourism industry after a nearly four-month closure. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) are awaiting a wave of Israeli tourism, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Ministry has distributed a letter to hotel and tourism managers to prepare for the arrival of Israelis, among other things, by adding kosher food to their restaurant and room service menus. The letter said that some kitchens must be made kosher and prepared for the requirements of Jewish dietary laws, and that there will be ongoing kashruth supervision as is customary at hotels in Israel.

The reason for this instruction/request is that many Israeli tourists as well as Jews from around the world have made inquires directly to hotels and Emirati tourist agencies. Israel has declared the UAE a country from where citizens returning from a visit do not have to quarantine upon their return to Israel, and the upcoming holiday season — starting with the Jewish New Year on Sept. 19 — during which Israelis typically vacation abroad, has made this destination especially attractive, and tourist companies have started to market such packages.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.