Etihad Airways,
the national airline of the UAE, has collaborated with the Department
of Health – Abu Dhabi, to introduce Weqaya, a range of healthy food
items, on board its flights and in its lounges in Abu Dhabi.
Weqaya
(وقاية), meaning prevention in Arabic, is a programme established by
the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi with the aim of encouraging people
to eat a healthy and balanced diet to promote good health and wellbeing.
Etihad
Airways has begun to offer a number of Weqaya dishes on menus in First
and Business Class long-haul and ultra-long haul outbound flights from
Abu Dhabi, and First and Business Class lounges in Abu Dhabi
International Airport.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive
Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad consistently
engages with its guests to better understand their needs, and then
delivers products and services that exceeds their expectations. The
addition of Weqaya menu items further enhances our food and beverage
(F&B) offering, and is a testimony to our airline’s commitment to
continue to provide premium products to our guests.”
Linda
Celestino, VP, Guest Experience & Delivery, added: “As the first
airline in the region to achieve Weqaya status, we are both honoured and
excited to promote health and wellness not just in Abu Dhabi, but also
onboard our flights.”
Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, Director of Public
Health Division, said: "We are working at the Department of Health to
increase the availability of healthy food options and promote a culture
that embraces healthy eating among all groups in the society across the
emirate. Cooperation with Etihad Airways is a demonstration that
following a healthy lifestyle is our ultimate goal and our efforts
towards 'a healthier Abu Dhabi' knows no boundaries or distances.”
Al
Hajeri added: “Our cooperation with Etihad Airways is growing stronger
by opening new prospects for broadening our collaboration horizons. Last
year we worked together on the implementation of Weqaya Food Specifications, in
Etihad Airways restaurants and cafes. With the announcement of healthy
meal options being offered on Etihad Airways flights, we take a step
closer together towards the wellness and health of our community.”
Explore:
Apply to become a Weqaya healthy food provider
