From Dh15 hot lunches to Dh39 full meals, UAE schools offer food options to suit different ages, dietary needs and budgets.
As families prepare for the new school year in the UAE, school meals are another expense to factor into the back-to-school budget, with schools offering a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.
Depending on the school, the child’s age and the type of meal selected, parents can spend anywhere from Dh5 on an individual snack to Dh39 on a full school meal. Some schools offer pre-ordered lunches, while others allow students to purchase food during the day, giving families greater control over their spending.
At the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, families can choose from termly, monthly or daily meal plans. “Meal prices range from Dh28.50 to Dh39, depending on the package selected. Meals include a starter, a choice of main courses, and dessert,” said Brian Cleary, head of Secondary.
For families who do not want to commit to a regular meal plan, schools also offer options for occasional use.
Cleary said families can purchase school meals on a termly, monthly or daily basis, allowing them to choose an arrangement that best suits their needs. For students in Grade 1 and above, meal voucher booklets are also available, providing a convenient option for children who only want a school meal occasionally.
From Dh5 snacks to Dh20 lunch combos
At The British International School Abu Dhabi, families have a range of meal options, with greater flexibility available as children get older.
Foundation Stage and Primary students can order a Dh20 lunch combo in advance. The meal includes a protein, starch, vegetables and cut fruit. Morning snacks, including fresh-cut fruit and bakery items incorporating fruit and vegetables, can also be pre-ordered.
Drinks are priced separately, with water costing Dh3 and juices Dh5. Individual snacks generally range from Dh5 to Dh10.
Older students have more choice. Secondary pupils can pick from grab-and-go options such as freshly prepared bakery items, salads and sandwiches, typically priced between Dh5 and Dh20. A hot lunch costs Dh15.
Alan Cocker, principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi, said the approach allows families to choose meals based on their child’s appetite, preferences and daily routine rather than committing to a fixed-term package.
“This approach allows families to choose the option that best suits their child’s appetite, preferences, and daily routine rather than committing to a fixed-term meal package,” he said.
Student safety is also a priority, with allergen information shared with families. For pre-ordered meals, details are displayed through the ordering app so parents can review them before making a selection. The school’s catering service is nut-free and sesame-free.
The flexible system also extends to ordering and payment. The school receives around 150 to 200 pre-orders each day, alongside students who buy food directly from catering outlets during school hours.
For pre-orders, parents can add funds to their child’s digital wallet through the Zenda app, providing a cashless option. Students making purchases on site can use their student wallet, card or cash, Cocker said.
The school’s catering service is SEHHI-approved and follows the healthy eating requirements of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek). Allergen information is displayed both in the ordering app and on food sold on site.
Parents of children with specific dietary requirements can also contact the catering and kitchen teams in advance to discuss available options.
Menus evolve as children become more independent
The difference between primary and secondary meal arrangements is not simply about price. Schools say their food systems also evolve as children become more independent and start making more of their own choices.
At the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, catering provider Swiss Canonica operates a six-week rotating international menu. Students can choose from a starter, Chef’s Special, main course, vegetarian or vegan main course and dessert.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available every day, while parents are asked to provide details of allergies, intolerances and other dietary requirements when booking meals.
Cleary said the rotating menu is designed to give students variety while allowing them to make their own selections.
“Our rotating international menu is designed to provide students with variety and choice throughout the school week,” he said. “Each day, students can choose from a selection that includes a starter, the Chef’s Special, a main course, a vegetarian or vegan main course, and dessert.”
Cashless systems
Schools are also turning to digital systems to simplify meal management and payments.
At the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, families use the Spare App, with an individual account linked to each child. Parents can select meals and make payments directly through the platform.
At Star International School, Al Twar, principal Lisa Passante said the school similarly combines advance ordering for younger pupils with greater independence for secondary students.
The school works with Swiss Canonica and offers fresh vegetable starters, a selection of main meals, vegetarian and vegan options and desserts. Its six-week rotating menu also features international cuisine and weekly country-themed dishes.
“We also recognise that the way students choose and manage their meals changes as they become more independent,” Passante said. “Families of Primary students select and book meals in advance, while Secondary students have the flexibility to purchase their preferred options directly at school.”
The system is fully cashless, she added, making it easier for both families and students to manage meals throughout the school day.
