This may/may not be the right forum to ask this type of question...
My so must eat gluten free for severe allergy reasons.
I travel for business but occasionally she will get to join me.
In countries where fresh fruits/vegs are plentiful she has no problems. But what about countries where fresh foods are not easy to come by, such as some of the ME, where breads are very much a large part of the local diet? The ME is my biggest concern. France, Germany have much to choose from.
I would hate to have to go out to eat at the Pearl twice a day just so she can get safe gluten free foods....
What will be our choices? Going to the market is fine with us, just afraid there will be minimal to no choices.

Thanks-Don

1. Rice is a common staple around the ME
2. In most places in the ME: if it is a fancy restaurant, expect sufficient English to explain. Cheaper places: usually not a problem as wheat will usually not "hide" and be apparent (avoid couscous, bread, etc.)
3. In Israel (still part of ME) expect English speakers and a decent level of awareness. A lot of restaurants offer GF menus. All packaged food is marked if it contains gluten (or the annoying may contain traces warning).
4. Bring your own bread. or go for rice crackers.
5. if you have local contact that can write a simple note saying that "this person is allergic to XXXX which may be found in YYYY" ask thsm for this note.

Depends which part of the ME. Dubai is international and caters to all, for example.

As a general comment, this is a difficult issue all round, and it's not just travelling outside your own country, but also in unfamiliar places within your country. The further away you are from major conurbations or places familiar with mass tourism, the less likely you are to easily find places where there are significant eating options.

I find the London suburbs, and the East Bay outside San Francisco to be very difficult (I'm gluten intolerant rather than coeliac, so it's not life threatening but still a significant issue). Regularly I get looks of complete incomprehension from waitstaff, who appear never to have heard of the GF issue. And work lunches become very tricky.

I've found the best plan is to travel with some ZipLoc bags and, as soon as possible after arrival, go to the local supermarket and buy a supply of emergency snacks, to bring out and eat at restaurants which don't provide suitable food, and at work lunches where all that is available is sandwiches.

I would think that you could do an internet search about foods and availability for the countries in which you will be visiting. Also, if you plan to stay in 'flagged' hotels, email them about the situation and I Am sure they will have ideas and options available if not in house but in the area.

Good luck...

Download an app called HappyCow. It shows vegan places and veggie friendly places all over the world (using your GPS by proximity when traveling). Often times reviewers will list gluten free and organic places too. At the very least you'll find people who know what dietary needs mean and can steer you in the right direction (locally).

This is the first time ever that I hear that the ME has no fresh fruits and veggies. Where did the Mediterranean diet come from? I find menus in the ME contain more veggies than any place.

Just ask.