Doctors in the UAE have urged residents to cut back on salt after a national survey found that 96 per cent of people consume too much sodium, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Nutrition Survey 2024–2025 showed that most adults exceed the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of less than 5 grams a day.
Health experts warned that excess salt is hidden in everyday foods such as bread, bakery products and processed meals, making it easy to exceed safe levels. Authorities are now exploring ways to reduce sodium consumption nationwide, including encouraging manufacturers to reformulate foods to lower salt content.
While a salt tax similar to the sugar levy is considered unlikely, officials say gradual changes to food production and greater public awareness could significantly improve long-term heart health.
