Manwithoutaplan

I’m contemplating a move to Abu Dhabi with my wife and 3 year old son. My son has recently been diagnosed with a nut and sesame seed allergy. We’re a little nervous about how easy life in AD (or the UAE generally) could be for managing his allergy. Most schools in the UK are alive to the dangers and have good safeguarding measures in place i.e. many are nut free. Food labelling in the UK/Europe is very good with most major allergens being clearly labelled. Many restaurants have good allergy menus as well.

Can anyone share any experiences or insights into how easily this type of condition can be managed in AD - either in schools (particularly how BSAK deals with this) or with food labelling in supermarkets/restaurants? We’d hate to be constantly living on edge about what our son is eating. Are there any specialist hospitals in AD that deal with this type of allergy?

Thanks in advance.

csdf

BSAK is a nut-free school. Our kids are pro-nut so I can't say much else about day-to-day living with an allergy. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City is just up the road from BSAK and they have pediatric A&E so that's where you would end up most likely.

Manwithoutaplan

Thanks very much.

Norm_uk

I can't speak of management of a nut allergies, but I do suffer from severe dust and pollen allergies which I struggled to manage for years until I went to the resident allergist at Novomed clinic in Dubai Marina. They also offer treatment of the underlying causes (not 100% effective but will help most people reduce their symptoms massively). I'm not sure about allergists in Abu Dhabi. A lot will also depend on your insurance network - my network doesn't cover the allergy treatment but covers the management costs.

N.

Meow

Hello! I am in Duvbai so can't help with AD hopsitals but be awre that there isnmuch less awareness of nut allergies in the UAE in the UAE. Not everyone realises that they are life-threatening and far worse than a dust allergy. Nuts are prevent in food here so you will need to be careful.

There are a few Facebook groups that focus on allergies that you may want to join for advice from other parents.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/anduae

https://www.facebook.com/groups/482465818462045