While there was resistance initially, particularly during public celebrations, parents have gradually adjusted
As Abu Dhabi moves towards full enforcement of its healthy school food regulations by the end of March, several schools say they have already spent years preparing students and parents for stricter controls — with education, consistency and firm enforcement proving key.
The updated rules, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), ban a wide range of processed foods, sugary drinks and high-fat items from school premises, including food brought from home, as part of a broader push to instil healthier habits among students.
At Al Bashaer Private School, the shift towards healthier food began long before the current deadline. Heba Abu Yakeen, the school’s environmental health and safety officer, said the school had banned fried and high-fat foods for years and moved to licensed healthy catering after Covid-19.
“The biggest challenge was not the food itself, but educating parents,” she said. “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.”
While there was resistance initially, particularly during public celebrations, parents have gradually adjusted. “At first, they didn’t like it, but now they cooperate. Instead of chocolates, they send dates or oat maamoul,” she said.
National events posed a particular challenge. “On National Day, everyone wants to bring luqaimat, harees and goodie bags with crisps and candies, so we issued a circular banning any food from entering the school that day. All food was strictly provided by the canteen.” She added that students themselves have become increasingly aware of the rules. “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, an occupational safety and health officer, said the school began implementing a comprehensive healthy food system as early as 2023, ahead of the formal rollout. The school contracts a licensed canteen operator, with meals prepared in approved kitchens under strict supervision.
“Every meal is labelled with calories, ingredients, sugar content and expiry dates,” he said.
Lunch boxes are also monitored closely, particularly for younger students. “Teachers check what students bring during break time. If banned items like sweets, crisps or soft drinks are found, they are confiscated and returned to parents at the end of the day,” Sayed said.
To ensure students are not left hungry, the school provides a healthy replacement meal at its own expense. “The goal is safety, not punishment,” he added. Parent compliance has improved steadily; “at the beginning of 2026, we reached more than 80 to 85 per cent compliance. The remaining cases are handled through supervision and awareness.”
At Rosary School, Vice Principal Sister Colette Jamal Bader said the school has promoted healthy eating for more than 15 years, long before the current regulations were introduced. “Our focus has always been education,” she said. “We raised awareness among students and parents through brochures, classroom sessions, morning announcements and regular inspections.”
The school also introduced incentives and creative activities to encourage healthy habits, including themed events, competitions and student-led discussions. “We wanted students to love healthy food, not fear inspections,” she explained. While food items that do not comply are temporarily confiscated to prevent consumption on campus, they are returned to parents later.
“The aim is to guide, not punish,” she added.
As the March deadline approaches, schools say they are confident they are operationally ready — with most challenges now centred on sustaining awareness rather than changing systems. The rules are clear, and the systems are in place, Abu Yakeen concluded. Now it’s about maintaining consistency and continuing to work with parents.
© Khaleej Times
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