Where to Buy Pork in Abu Dhabi: A Guide for Expats and Visitors

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi is a multicultural city with a large expatriate population. Many expats and visitors from Western countries are accustomed to eating pork, which can be difficult to find in the predominantly Muslim UAE. However there are a few places in Abu Dhabi that sell pork to non-Muslim residents and tourists. This article will discuss where to buy fresh and processed pork products in Abu Dhabi.

Understanding Pork and Islam

First, it’s important to understand why pork is restricted in the UAE Islam, which is the official religion, prohibits the consumption of pork Therefore, pork is not commonly sold in halal butcher shops and supermarkets catering to the local Muslim population. However, the UAE does allow pork to be sold to non-Muslims, usually in designated sections of stores.

As an expat living in Abu Dhabi, I have found a few reliable places to buy pork, which I will outline below. Visitors to Abu Dhabi looking to cook pork dishes during their stay will also find this guide helpful.

Spinneys Supermarket

One of the most convenient places to buy pork in Abu Dhabi is Spinneys supermarket. This upscale grocery store chain has a few locations in the city. I prefer going to the Al Reef Mall Spinneys as they have a dedicated pork section.

The Spinneys pork section features a butcher counter with a helpful attendant who can slice ham, bacon, sausages, and chops to your liking. The selection includes fresh cuts like:

• Pork chops
• Pork tenderloin
• Pork ribs
• Pork belly
• Pork leg
• Pork shoulder

You can also find cured and processed pork products like:

• Smoked ham
• Bacon
• Salami
• Hot dogs
• Pork sausages

For small households, Spinneys sells package sizes ranging from 200g up to 1kg for fresh meat. You can also find larger roasting joints. The bacon and cured meats are sold in typical supermarket packaging.

Besides the butcher counter, Spinneys also stocks popular pork brands like Tulip and Ma Ling in the frozen section. Here you can find pork dim sum, dumplings, spring rolls, and more.

I like shopping at Spinneys because the pork is clearly separated from the halal meat, so I can avoid any mixups. The staff are also very helpful in navigating cultural differences around pork.

Waitrose Supermarket

Another upscale European grocery chain in Abu Dhabi that sells pork is Waitrose. The Waitrose on Saadiyat Island has an extensive selection of fresh and processed pork.

At the butcher counter, you can find all the typical cuts of pork like ribs, chops, roasts, tenderloin, shoulder, leg, belly, etc. The staff are knowledgeable about different cooking methods for each cut.

The deli also offers a wide assortment of cured pork products, like smoked ham off the bone, salamis, chorizo, prosciutto, and bacon. Beyond the butcher and deli, Waitrose stocks many popular pork brands throughout the store like:

• Tulip
• Danish Crown
• Ma Ling
• Johnsonville sausages
• Butterball turkey bacon

One advantage of Waitrose is they sell larger pack sizes more suitable for big families or dinner parties. You can find roasting joints over 1kg or packs of 8-10 thick-cut chops.

Waitrose is a bit pricier than Spinneys, but the quality is excellent. The huge selection makes it worth shopping here if you eat a lot of pork.

Carrefour Hypermarket

Carrefour is a large French hypermarket chain with multiple locations in Abu Dhabi. The Al Wahda Mall Carrefour has a dedicated pork room separate from the main store.

The pork room carries all the basics like pork chops, ribs, roasts, legs, shoulders, bacon, ham, and sausages. The selection is not as extensive as Spinneys or Waitrose, but has adequate variety for casual pork eaters.

One advantage of the Carrefour pork room is the very affordable prices. You can find deals like 10 pork chops for 30 AED. So if you’re on a budget or only need a small quantity, Carrefour is a good option.

The separate pork room helps avoid any confusion with the halal meat in the main store. Just ask customer service to direct you to the pork room.

Choithrams Supermarket

Choithrams is a local grocery chain that caters to expats with pork offerings. Although they don’t have a dedicated pork section, you can find vacuum-sealed packs of pork buried in the frozen meat cabinets.

The Al Wahda Mall Choithrams typically stocks pork ribs, chops, bacon, ham, sausages, and mince. The availability fluctuates though, so choices are hit or miss.

The pork selection is hidden away, so you need to search carefully. Also, pack sizes are small, so it’s not ideal for major cooking projects. But for a small quantity in a pinch, Choithrams can work.

Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (ADCOOPS)

ADCOOPS is a supermarket chain that primarily services Abu Dhabi residents. Although not a fancy import store like Spinneys or Waitrose, certain ADCOOPS locations have surprise pork selections.

The Al Wahda Mall ADCOOPS is one branch that sells frozen and processed pork like ham, bacon, sausages, and hot dogs. They cater to a mostly local customer base, so the availability is not 100% guaranteed. But this can be a handy backup option.

The pork products are discreetly placed in the freezer cases away from the halal meat. Don’t expect a huge variety, but ADCOOPS can handle quick bacon or sausage runs in a jiffy.

Meat Shops at Hotels & Resorts

Another place travelers can obtain pork while visiting Abu Dhabi is meat shops located inside major hotels and resorts. These cater to tourists and serve as one-stop shops.

For example, the Yas Plaza Hotels have Premier Gourmet shops onsite with a deli, butchery, and groceries. Here you can find hams, salamis, sausages, bacon and other pork essentials. The Shangri-La Hotel and Hyatt Capital Gate also have well-stocked grocers.

These meat shops are pricey, but offer convenience if you’re staying nearby. Resort shops also sell alcohol, so you can grab a bottle of wine or beer to complement your pork dishes.

Ordering Pork Online

One final option for accessing pork if you live in Abu Dhabi is ordering from online grocers. Two popular online supermarkets that deliver pork are:

• Kibsons – This UAE-based company has a pork category on their website. You can order fresh and frozen cuts, sausages, ham, and more for delivery.

• Amazon Fresh – Amazon’s grocery delivery arm stocks many popular pork brands that can be ordered online. Availability depends on your location.

By ordering pork online, you can skip the trip to the market. Just ensure you choose the correct delivery date and address to avoid any issues.

Key Takeaways on Buying Pork in Abu Dhabi

While avoiding pork completely is easiest when living in a Muslim country like the UAE, Abu Dhabi does cater to its expat population with designated pork sections at grocery stores. The major chains like Spinneys, Waitrose, and Carrefour offer the best selection and quality.

Understanding cultural sensitivities around pork is also important. Be discreet when purchasing and consuming in public. With cultural awareness and respect, expats can comfortably obtain pork for cooking their favorite dishes.