Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has signed a 12-month agreement with the Emirates Agency for Kosher Certification (EAKC).

UAE’s flagship Emirates Palace is the first hotel to offer a kosher certified kitchen. 

Rabbi Levi Duchman heads up the certification project that certifies emirate’s hotels.

Kosher food options will include room service and restaurant menus.
This initiative follows Israel and the UAE’s historic peace deal, signing of the Abraham Accords in Washington last month and first official delegation to Israel.

The two nations landmark ceremony at Ben-Gurion Airport heralded a bilateral meeting where commercial deals were signed on aviation, investment, science and technology.

The first visa exemption agreement with an Arab state was also signed.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan called on Israel to open an Emirati Embassy and an Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi as soon as possible in a letter to Ashkenazi. 

The UAE delegation returned to Abu Dhabi with Israeli businessmen, tourism executives and journalists following the ceremony and meetings.

In related news, an Etihad commercial flight with 58 passengers landed at Ben Gurion for the first time earlier last week. 

Etihad marked the flight by launching a dedicated Hebrew website, a first for an Arab airline.

Also available in English, the site includes an Abu Dhabi destination guide. 

In terms of travellers to the UAE wanting kosher food, all hotels and outlets in the capital must assign a kitchen for kosher food preparation with clear labelling on mens. 

Following news of the kosher certification, Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Tourism and Marketing, reportedly said, “One of the distinguishable aspects of Abu Dhabi culture is the diversity and inclusivity that tourists can experience in all aspects of their visit, from international cuisine offerings to cultural artefacts from all around the world. We look forward to welcoming Jewish tourists from around the world to our city.”
“We are excited to be part of history as we assist the hotels to provide kosher options that will strengthen tourism,” Rabbi Duchman, reportedly added. “This initiative is all part of the Abu Dhabi Government vision for the emirate to be a home for all people of all cultures and religious backgrounds and a true beacon of light to all of our neighbours.”

He continued, “When Abu Dhabi welcomes people from across the world, we will make sure that our guests will have the ultimate comfort and be fully welcomed. If our guests require kosher food, we will make sure we have kosher of the highest quality available. 

“This is something beyond tolerance, it is much deeper and more special, that makes Abu Dhabi so special. Our team here at EAKC will continue to work closely with all food establishments, to assist and enable them to serve kosher food at the highest and best quality possible.”
EAKC was established this year to guarantee observance with kosher cuisine standards. 

Details: www.eakc.ae