Food Safety Certificate Abu Dhabi (2026 Complete Guide)
Food safety certificate is mandatory for staff, if you want to work in restaurant, cafeteria or hotel in Abu Dhabi. Whether its supermarket, cloud kitchen or any food business in Abu Dhabi, Food safety certificate is essential part of your work. In this guide we will discuss in detail about,
- Food safety certificate in Abu Dhabi
- How to get food safety certificate in Abu Dhabi in 2026
- Cost of Food safety certificate in Abu Dhabi
- How to get and download online
- EFST certificate download process
- Certificate validity and expiry roles
- How to check ADAFSA certificate
- What is difference between EFST and HACCP
We have written this guide for hotel, restaurant, cafeteria and any other food service business in Abu Dhabi.
What is Food Safety Certificate in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, the food safety certificate is also known as EFST (Essential Food Safety Training). All the procedures are regulated by Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority also known as ADAFSA. This training and getting certificate is mandatory for all food workers in Abu Dhabi. Food safety certificate in Abu Dhabi ensures following important things for workers.
- Personal Hygiene for all staff
- Prevention in food contamination
- How to control food temperature
- Cleaning and sanitization procedures
- Rules for food storage
- How to avoid cross contamination risks
If you do not have food safety certificate in Abu Dhabi, You can not work legally in any food handling department.
Who Needs Food Safety Certificate in Abu Dhabi?
All staff members of hospitality industry in Abu Dhabi need EFST. Below mentioned professionals need EFST.
- Staff in restaurants
- Workers in cafeterias
- Kitchen helpers
- All chefs
- Bakery staff
- Supermarket food handling staff
- Food truck operators
- Catering and event management food handling staff
- Workers who work in cloud kitchens
Even if you own a small cafeteria in Abu Dhabi, you must ensure all staff members have food safety certificates.
How to Get Food Safety Certificate in Abu Dhabi (Step-by-Step 2026)
Follow these below mentioned steps to get your certificate in 2026 if you are complete beginner or experienced person.
Step 1: Enroll in Approved EFST Course
Take admission in Abu Dhabi Agricultural & Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) approved institution. Take your food safety courses.
Step 2: Attend Training
Attend your training as mentioned by your training center. It maybe,
- In person like in classroom
- Hybrid like half in classroom half from home
- or online but with limited theory sessions and lectures
Step 3: Pass Final Exam
After your preparation is complete go for EFST test. You must pass your final exam to get Food safety certificate.
Step 4: Receive Certificate
After passing exams, training center will issue you a Food safety certificate which is approved by ADAFSA.
Food Safety Certificate Abu Dhabi Price (2026)
Certificate price depends on training centers and course level. Like it can be 1, 2 or more. Always check the latest training center prices through official websites. The average price of food safety certificate in Abu Dhabi is around AED 500 to AED 900 per person.
Factors affecting price:
- What is institute reputation
- Classroom model like hybrid, online, or in person
- Level of certification
- Language choosed in certificate
Always confirm if:
- Your certificate is approved by ADAFSA
- Exam fee is included in the certificate
- What is validity of certificate
Can You Get Food Safety Certificate Abu Dhabi Online?
Now a days many people want everything online. Almost 90% of the UAE population is shifted online now. I have seen many people want "food safety certificate in Abu Dhabi online". But as we see currently the full online courses certifications are limited. You have to attend classes physically. However some institutes may offer online classes and physical exams at the center.
Helpful Tip For Beginners: Before taking the course always check whether the institute is approved by ADAFSA or not.
How to Donwload Abu Dhabi EFST Certificate online
While in most of the cases certificates are provided by training cetners physically. But some centers in Abu Dhabi may provide you an online copy or digital PDF format. For verification purpose training center may request your certificate number.
To verify your EFST certificate always use official website of ADAFSA.
ADAFSA Certificate Check
Employers in Abu Dhabi, when hiring for food handling staff can check the certificate through the website of Abu Dhabi Agricluture & Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) online by entering the certificate number.
Tips For candidates:
- Always keep the soft or digital copy of your certificate with you
- Renew before it is going to expire
- Save your certificate number in mobile, PC or even write it on safe place like text book or dairy etc
Food Safety Certificate Abu Dhabi Validity
Many people are worried about the validity of their certificate. Like,
- how much time does certificate last?
- Does certificate expire or not?
In Abu Dhabi;
- Food safety ceritificate validity usually ranges from 3 to 5 years
- Certificate renewal maybe required but it depends upon the role you are working at that time
- Some hotel or restaurant managers may need higher level certifications
Tip: When getting certificate, always confirm validity period of that certificate from your training center.
What is the Difference Between EFST and HACCP
| EFST | HACCP |
| Mandatory in Abu Dhabi | recognized as international food safety system |
| Required locally | this is required for food business only |
| Specially for food handelrs | It is designed for more advance level compliance system |
If you want managerial roles or high-level roles than HACCP is highly recommended. But for freshers or low level roles EFST is considered enough.
Food Safety Standards in UAE
In UAE, food business must follow the standards of food safety as described by the Government. Business must follow these standards,
- Hygiene laws
- Roles for temperature controlling
- Food safety guidelines set by the authorities
- Cross contamination preventions processes
- Standards for pest control
Failure in any of the above standards may cause,
- Heavy fines
- Closure of business
- Suspension of license
Food safety is taken very seriously in the UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi. Always follow the standards.
Final Advice (2026)
If you are planing to ,
- Start a cafeteria business in Abu Dhabi
- Opening a restaurant in Abu Dhabi
- Apply for kitchen jobs
- Applying for hotel jobs
- or Going to start food truck business in Abu Dhabi
EFST is essential for all staff members and business in Abu Dhabi. Always choose approved institutions and check recognization on social media.
