Dubai Schools to Serve Healthier Meals with Stricter Nutrition Guidelines

The guideline outlines specific portion sizes and labelling practices to ensure better portion control. Even beverages like tea and coffee will be regulated. Schools must now plan meals that incorporate locally sourced ingredients, aligning with broader sustainability goals. The initiative was introduced at the third edition of the Dubai Food Safety Forum, reflecting the city’s growing focus on student health and wellness.

To boost awareness, Dubai Municipality has launched ‘My School Food’, a new e-learning platform that uses games and interactive content to teach students about food safety. Children learn about safe storage temperatures, hygiene practices, and how to make healthier food choices in a fun, engaging way. The idea is to turn students into active ambassadors for better food practices both in school and at home.

In addition, a ‘Nutrition in Charge’ program is being rolled out across schools, assigning a trained staff member to oversee food quality and compliance. Schools will also benefit from a new digital self-auditing tool that tracks nutritional stats, audit schedules, and menu feedback via a smart dashboard. With this initiative, Dubai aims to reach over 400,000 students across more than 500 schools, making healthful eating the new norm.

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