Batool Ghaith (Abu Dhabi)
The Department of Education and Knowledge’s (ADEK) is placing student health and wellbeing at the centre of education policy, with Abu Dhabi schools being required to adapt their food policies to meet strict nutrition standards by prohibiting unhealthy food and promoting balanced diets across campuses.
Under ADEK’s updated food and nutrition policy, schools in the emirate must be compliant by March 30, 2026, implementing measures that foster healthy eating habits and ensure food safety standards in canteens, vending machines, school events, and even food brought from home.
The policy introduces a “Red List” of restricted items including deep-fried foods, high-sugar desserts, soft drinks, energy drinks, processed meats, and sauces high in fats, while requiring schools to serve balanced meals and encourage hydration.
Schools are also expected to supervise students during meals, educate them about proper eating habits, and actively promote healthier food choices.
The measure reflects a broader national push to shape healthier lifestyles from an early age, as health experts emphasise that school food plays a critical role in shaping children’s lifestyles.
Clinical nutritionist Huda Allan said the move is aligned with global public health recommendations that advocate for early dietary intervention.
“Research consistently shows that children’s food preferences and eating behaviours are largely shaped before adolescence. The school environment plays a critical role because students consume a significant portion of their daily calories there,” Allan told Aletihad.
She explained that the constant availability of processed foods which are high in sugar, salt and saturated fats leads children to normalise those choices, noting that high-sugar diets are linked not only to long-term risks such as obesity and metabolic disorders, but also to short-term effects including reduced concentration, energy crashes and mood fluctuations.
“Balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates, lean protein, fibre, and healthy fats support sustained energy release. Hydration is equally important too, as even mild dehydration can affect attention and memory,” Allan said.
She advised parents to complement the policy at home by offering whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, while limiting packaged snacks and sugary beverages from supermarkets.
Rawan Moghrabi, a mother of two children who attend school in Abu Dhabi, expressed her happiness with ADEK’s decision. “It was always difficult to have my kids stay away from unhealthy food and specifically sweets, as most of their friends at school bring very unhealthy choices and they tend to share,” Moghrabi told Aletihad.
She noted that this will help all parents to be more mindful of what they feed their children, even at home. “This teaches everyone the importance of healthy eating habits. It is necessary to make sure that children get used to healthy food from a young age, so it would become a lifelong habit,” Moghrabi added.
Fostering Healthier Eating Habits
Amal Fawzy, a teacher in a private school in Abu Dhabi also welcomed the move, agreeing that it helps foster healthier habits inside and outside the classroom.
"Students spend most of their day at school, so the environment we create strongly shapes their choices. Healthier food improves students' focus and energy levels, it also helps reinforce the messages we teach about wellbeing and responsibility," Fawzy told Aletihad.
She noted that many parents used to complain about junk food in schools. "Lots of parents are aware and try to minimise unhealthy food choices for their children, but others send whatever snack is available in supermarkets."
Fawzy added that creating a healthier school environment requires cooperation between schools and families to ensure students develop balanced habits.