Although there was initial resistance, especially during public celebrations, parents have gradually adapted.
As Abu Dhabi moves toward full enforcement of its healthy school food regulations by the end of March, several schools say they have spent years preparing students and parents, emphasising education, consistency, and firm enforcement as essential strategies.
The updated rules, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), prohibit a wide range of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat items on school premises — including food brought from home — as part of a broader effort to promote healthier habits among students.
At Al Bashaer Private School, the move toward healthier food started well before the current deadline. Heba Abu Yakeen, the school’s Environmental Health and Safety Officer, explained that the school had banned fried and high-fat foods for years and transitioned to licensed healthy catering following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Abu Dhabi Schools Embrace Healthy Eating Ahead of March Deadline
As Abu Dhabi moves toward full enforcement of its healthy school food regulations by the end of March, schools across the emirate report that years of preparation, education, and consistent enforcement have helped ease the transition for students and parents.
At Al Bashaer Private School, the shift toward healthier food began well before the deadline. Heba Abu Yakeen, the school’s Environmental Health and Safety Officer, said:
“The biggest challenge was not the food itself, but educating parents. During celebrations, we send parents a list of banned foods so they don’t send sweets or chocolates. Anything that comes in — whether in lunch boxes or for group events — is sent back.”
Initially, parents resisted the changes, particularly during public celebrations. Over time, however, they adapted.
“At first, they didn’t like it, but now they cooperate. Instead of chocolates, they send dates or oat maamoul,” Abu Yakeen explained.
National events posed additional challenges. “On National Day, everyone wants to bring luqaimat, harees, and goodie bags with crisps and candies. We issued a circular banning any outside food that day — all food was strictly provided by the canteen.” Students themselves have become more aware of the rules, she added: “Even during group iftar, they ask what’s allowed and what isn’t — and they follow it.”
At Liwa International School – Falaj Hazza in Al Ain, Mohammed Sayed, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, said the school implemented a comprehensive healthy food system as early as 2023. Meals are prepared by a licensed canteen operator in approved kitchens, and every meal is labelled with calories, ingredients, sugar content, and expiry dates.
Lunch boxes are closely monitored, especially for younger students. “Teachers check what students bring during break. Banned items like sweets, crisps, or soft drinks are confiscated and returned to parents at the end of the day,” Sayed explained. To ensure students aren’t left hungry, the school provides a healthy replacement meal at its own expense, stressing that the goal is safety, not punishment. Compliance has steadily improved, with 80–85% of parents following the rules by early 2026. Remaining cases are managed through supervision and awareness.
At Rosary School, Vice Principal Sister Colette Jamal Bader said the school has promoted healthy eating for over 15 years, long before current regulations. “Our focus has always been education,” she said, highlighting initiatives like brochures, classroom sessions, morning announcements, and regular inspections. The school also uses incentives, themed events, competitions, and student-led discussions to encourage healthy habits. Non-compliant food items are temporarily confiscated to prevent consumption on campus but are later returned to parents.
“The aim is to guide, not punish,” Bader said.
As the March deadline approaches, schools report they are operationally ready. Abu Yakeen concluded:
“The rules are clear, and the systems are in place. Now it’s about maintaining consistency and continuing to work with parents.”
