Schools in Abu Dhabi will soon have to ensure that the weight of students’ backpack does not exceed 5-10 per cent of their own weight, a revised policy issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge says.
The authority calculated specific weight limits for students across grades on the basis of recommendations by the American Chiropractic Association.
The individual factors of each student such as their overall health, physical strength, and any existing health conditions should be considered to avoid adverse effects on their spine or body.
This advisory added that schools will be expected to comply with this policy from February 1, 2026.
| Grade/Year | Maximum backpack weight |
| KG1/FS2 | Not exceeding 2kg |
| KG2/Year 1 | Not exceeding 2kg |
| Grade 1/Year 2 | Not exceeding 2kg |
| Grade 2/Year 3 | Not exceeding 3kg to 4.5kg |
| Grade 3/Year 4 | Not exceeding 3kg to 4.5kg |
| Grade 4/Year 5 | Not exceeding 3kg to 4.5kg |
| Grade 5/Year 6 | Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg |
| Grade 6/Year 7 | Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg |
| Grade 7/Year 8 | Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg |
| Grade 8/Year 9 | Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg |
| Grade 9/Year 10 | Not exceeding 10kg |
| Grade 10/Year 11 | Not exceeding 10kg |
| Grade 11/Year 12 | Not exceeding 10kg |
| Grade 12/Year 13 | Not exceeding 10kg |
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