Dubai Municipality Intensifies School Inspections as Students Return.
Dubai: Dubai Municipality’s field teams, recognisable by their “City Inspectors” jackets, have deployed across more than 500 educational institutions as part of stepped-up inspections ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year, which began on Monday.
The inspections extend beyond school canteens and campus facilities to everyday items such as food containers and drinking water bottles, as the authority strengthens health, food safety and nutrition standards for students and school communities across Dubai.
The preparations combine field inspections, smart monitoring and dedicated awareness programmes covering school canteens, educational facilities and products used by students. The aim is to ensure compliance with approved standards and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff.
Inspection teams are monitoring school canteens through field visits and the DM Checked platform, verifying permits and ensuring menus comply with Dubai Municipality’s approved nutrition guidelines. Food suppliers and canteen menus have also been reviewed and approved ahead of the new term to help ensure students are provided with safe and nutritionally balanced meals.
Beyond the food counters
The City Inspectors’ checks extend well beyond school canteens. Teams are examining ventilation and air-conditioning systems, air filters, as well as water systems and tanks. Inspectors are also reviewing cleaning and preventive maintenance records and verifying that required laboratory testing has been carried out.
Swimming pools are also under scrutiny, with teams checking the availability of certified lifeguards, rescue equipment and first-aid supplies to ensure safety standards are being met.
Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafie, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the preparations reflect the Municipality’s commitment to fostering a proactive and healthy environment across educational institutions.
“By combining effective inspections with targeted awareness, we are working to protect students, strengthen food safety and encourage healthy practices that become part of their everyday lives,” she said.
“Our approach extends beyond compliance. We want students, parents and school staff to understand the role they each play in creating a safe and healthy school environment, while building positive habits that support students’ physical wellbeing and long-term quality of life,” she added.
Containers and bottles tested
Dubai Municipality has also expanded the scope of its inspections to include food-contact materials available in the local market. Around 800 products, including food containers and drinking water bottles, are being assessed as part of the campaign.
Samples have been collected and sent for laboratory analysis to verify that they meet approved safety requirements and technical specifications.
Uniforms checked too
School uniforms are also being inspected to ensure they meet required safety and compliance standards.
As part of the checks, samples have been collected from retail outlets and school uniform suppliers using an approved risk-assessment mechanism. The samples are being analysed at the Dubai Central Laboratory to verify their compliance with relevant safety requirements.
Awareness campaign expands
Alongside its inspection programme, Dubai Municipality is also stepping up awareness efforts targeting students, parents, school staff, food supervisors and canteen employees.
Interactive workshops introduce students to the Smart Food Choices system and its colour-coded classifications — green, orange, red and black — helping them identify healthier options, make informed food choices and develop better eating habits.
Students are also receiving practical guidance on food safety and personal hygiene, including proper handwashing and the safe preparation, storage and consumption of school meals and lunchboxes. Other workshops focus on reducing food waste and promoting responsible consumption, helping students understand how everyday choices can contribute to environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources.
Training for staff, support for parents
Food supervisors, canteen staff and school food safety officers are receiving dedicated training on approved requirements for the preparation, storage and handling of school meals. They are also being briefed on compliance with the relevant nutrition guidelines.
As part of the UAE’s Year of the Family initiatives, Dubai Municipality is providing parents with practical guidance through digital and traditional channels. The aim is to help families prepare balanced and safe meals at home while reinforcing healthy habits beyond the school gates.
