Dr. Sultan Ali Al Taher, Dubai’s Food Safety Director, is the first Arab to acquire a PhD in the field of cultural beliefs and practices influencing food safety behaviours. His pioneering research bridges the gap between science and society by demonstrating how deeply ingrained cultural norms can either boost or weaken food safety systems.
In a region where diverse communities eat, prepare, and store food differently, Dr. Al Taher’s study emphasizes the need for customized safety policies that consider these cultural nuances. “You can’t change behavior by enforcing rules alone—you need to understand the mindset,” he explained, highlighting how public education must align with people’s values and habits.
Under his leadership, Dubai has built one of the most advanced food safety monitoring systems in the world. From AI-powered inspections to instant reporting platforms for violations, the city’s approach has become a model for others. “Food safety is a redline for us,” Dr. Al Taher stressed. “There is zero tolerance for negligence, and every dining table in Dubai must be safe.”
This academic achievement not only raises the bar for food safety experts across the Arab world, but also strengthens Dubai’s global image as a leader in science-driven policy-making. Dr. Al Taher’s work proves that safety isn’t just about regulations—it’s about understanding the people those rules are meant to protect.
