The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi has set new rules for schools to improve student health. From August 25, when the new school year starts, food delivery services will no longer be allowed during school hours.
This step is aimed at stopping students from ordering fast food, sugary drinks, and unhealthy snacks while in school. ADEK wants students to build better eating habits that will stay with them for life.
Schools say that eating the right food is not just about staying healthy. It also helps students focus better, improve memory, and manage stress during their studies.
Why ADEK Is Changing Food Rules
Many children in Abu Dhabi are bringing unhealthy food in their lunchboxes. Doctors say that 44 percent of students carry items like crisps, chocolate, and soda to school. These foods are high in fat and sugar but low in vitamins and minerals.
Because of this, more children are facing obesity, diabetes, and other health problems at a very young age. Doctors and nutrition experts have warned that if this continues, health risks will rise even further.
ADEK’s new food policy is designed to change this trend. By limiting junk food and encouraging healthier options, schools want to protect students’ health and improve their learning.
Healthy Food and Academic Success
Food has a direct impact on how students perform in school. A balanced meal filled with vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains gives students the energy they need for long school days.
Studies show that children who eat healthy meals:
- Stay more focused in class.
- Have better memory and problem-solving skills.
- Feel less tired and less stressed.
- Miss fewer school days due to health issues.
This is why Abu Dhabi schools are sending messages to parents and children. They explain how eating healthy is not just good for the body but also for learning and mental strength.
Ban on Food Deliveries
One of the biggest changes is the ban on food delivery services. Many students used to order fast food during school hours. This made it easy for unhealthy food to become part of their daily routine.
But now, with the ban in place, schools hope to stop this habit. Instead, students will eat meals either prepared at home or bought from school canteens.
Canteens themselves are also changing. Schools are removing foods like fried chicken, chips, and sugary drinks from their menus. These are being replaced with fruit salads, sandwiches made from whole-grain bread, fresh juices, and other nutritious items.
This ban is more than a rule. It is about teaching students discipline and self-control while guiding them toward better food choices.
What Makes a Healthy Lunchbox
To support parents, schools are sharing clear lunchbox guidelines. A good lunchbox should include:
- Balanced portions – a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
- Fruits and vegetables – for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Whole grains – like brown rice, oats, or wholemeal bread.
- Healthy drinks – mainly water, not sugary juices or sodas.
- Safe storage – using clean, separate containers to keep food fresh.
By following these steps, parents can ensure their children eat meals that give them energy without harming their health.
Parents’ Role in Building Healthy Habits
While schools are making big changes, parents are the most important partners in this effort. Doctors say children often copy what they see at home. If parents eat healthy, children are more likely to do the same.
Experts suggest that parents should:
- Cook meals at home instead of relying on packaged snacks.
- Take children grocery shopping to teach them how to choose healthy items.
- Limit junk food like chips, instant noodles, and sweets.
- Try new recipes with vegetables, grains, and fruits to add variety.
- Set an example by eating healthy themselves.
Parents also need to give children meals in the right portion sizes. Overeating and skipping meals are both harmful.
When schools and parents work together, children learn to make better food choices that can last a lifetime.
Health Risks That Prompted The Rules
The UAE has seen a rise in health issues linked to poor diet. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are now common even among schoolchildren.
These illnesses are serious. They affect not only physical health but also a child’s confidence, emotions, and social life. Doctors warn that children with poor diets may also face low self-esteem, stress, and depression.
By starting healthy habits at a young age, ADEK hopes to prevent these problems instead of dealing with them later. The goal is to make healthy eating a natural part of daily life.
How Schools Are Spreading the Message
Schools are already running awareness drives to prepare families for the new rules. They are sending circulars, newsletters, and digital messages to parents.
Some schools are also planning nutrition workshops, cooking demos, and health fairs. These programs will show parents and children how to pack healthy lunchboxes and make simple meals at home.
Teachers are also being trained to talk about healthy eating in classrooms. This makes sure that the message is repeated daily, not just at home.
By working on every level — parents, teachers, and students — the schools aim to create a community of healthy living.
Building Habits for the Future
These rules may seem strict at first, but they are designed for the long run. The goal is to build habits that will last beyond school years.
When children grow up eating balanced meals, they are more likely to continue these habits as adults. This reduces the chances of lifestyle diseases and helps them live healthier, more active lives.
It also connects to the UAE’s bigger vision of building a strong, productive society. Healthy people are more focused, creative, and better able to contribute to the nation’s growth.
