Coeliac Disease

Arriving in a new and exciting country is an adventure for young and old - arriving in a new country with special dietary needs could be quiet daunting. In Dubai it could be an adventure to find gluten-free items.
In the 1950's doctors believed that it was a childhood condition but now it is recognized that many more adults than children are diagnosed. Coeliac Symptoms can manifest themselves at any age. Coeliacs remain sensitive to gluten throughout their life and must remain on a gluten-free diet.
Gluten is a protein contained in the cereal grains wheat, rye, barley and oats and derivatives from these. There are many obvious foods which contain gluten but there are also a whole range of ingredients which can be sources of undisclosed gluten. you need to make yourself ingredient aware.
A friend who has been in Dubai for six years, searched super markets and nutritional shops for gluten-free foods. The prices are quiet high as the import costs are always added to all products, but on the whole one can manage a diet quiet sensible.
The best find is from Choitrams Supermarkets where they actually make Gluten-Free bread on the premises, at AED 6 a loaf that is good value.

If you have any questions or you can recommend places especially restaurants or you would like to swop recipes or even form our own Dubai Coeliac Society please email Diane Kirkwood at Dianekirkwood28@yahoo.co.uk.

Remember the golden rule: "If in doubt - leave it out!"