Sharjah 24: Sharjah Municipality (SM) announced issuing permits to prepare and sell food to non-Muslim communities in daylight hours during the month of Ramadan, including establishments in commercial centres, and permits to display food in front of stores before Iftar for restaurants, cafeterias, sweet shops, tortilla bakeries, and others, within the framework of the municipality’s keenness to regulate work during the holy month and enhancing its role in preserving public health by issuing these permits in accordance with health standards and requirements.

In this context, Jamal Al Mazmi, Director of the Health Control and Safety Department, confirmed that the municipality is welcoming the month of Ramadan by intensifying oversight of food establishments to ensure their compliance with approved health requirements and standards, and organising the work of these establishments by issuing the necessary permits to to prepare and sell food to non-Muslim communities during the month of Ramadan, indicating that these permits are issued in accordance with several conditions, including serving food outside the site without receiving customers in the food service hall, and preparing and cooking food is only permitted inside the kitchens.

Al Mazmi explained that the municipality issues permits to display food in front of stores before iftar time in accordance with several conditions that must be adhered to, including displaying food directly on the front sidewalk of the site, placing food in stainless metal containers, and displaying food in a tightly closed glass box of no less than 100 cm, and equipped with a sliding or hinged door, as well as covering it with aluminum foil or transparent food-grade plastic, while using food-grade packing materials as well. Food must be kept at an appropriate temperature (not refrigerated or frozen) and prepared in the facility according to the authorised activity.

The Director of the Health Control and Safety Department stated that the municipality has provided many channels for applying for these permits with the aim of making it easier for the public, including the Nasiriyah Centre, and a number of service centres.