Abu Dhabi's drive to take unhealthy foods off the menu at schools across the capital has been backed as "a bold but necessary move” to support children's development inside and outside the classroom.
A Red List of prohibited items – issued by the emirate's Quality and Conformity Council – includes deep-fried foods, sugary snacks, pastries, fizzy drinks and certain high-fat products. School inspectors have begun spot-checking packed lunches to ensure compliance.
“The policy is not about being punitive – it’s about creating a healthier food environment where children aren’t routinely exposed to foods that offer little nutritional value,” said Rahaf Mohammed Altowairqi, a clinical dietitian at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital Al Qusais.
“We can't talk about well-being and ignore nutrition,” said Dr Funke Baffour-Awuah, corporate head of well-being at Gems Education, one of the UAE's leading private education groups. “The research is tight. We now know from neuroscience and behavioural science that high sugar diets, ultra-processed foods and certain additives affect attention, mood regulation and sleep.”
This isn't about control, but protection, added Dr Baffour-Awuah. “If we want children to concentrate, regulate their emotions and thrive academically, we have to create environments that support their brains – not work against them.”
That said, clear communication and support for parents and school is essential to ensure the policy works, added Ms Altowairqi, and that it “doesn’t just shift unhealthy eating from school to home”.
Schools introduce lunch rules
Schools across the emirate are taking varied approaches to bringing in the new rules.
At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, the policy aligns with existing educational philosophy. “Part of the Brighton philosophy of holistic education is ensuring that all our pupils achieve positive well-being,” said headmaster Barney Durrant.
“An important aspect of this is to understand the links between a healthy diet, a good level of exercise, and their ability to concentrate effectively in classes.”
At Gems Education schools, canteen providers and suppliers are being asked to comply with standards set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), said Dr Baffour-Awuah.
“But enforcement alone doesn’t change culture,” she said. “What we are doing is educating. We’re helping students understand how food impacts focus, energy levels, emotional balance and physical stamina.
“When young people understand that a sugar spike often leads to a crash in mood and concentration, the conversation shifts. It becomes less about ‘rules’ and more about performance and self-awareness.”
Abu Dhabi resident Ryaan Sharif, a parent to one school-aged boy, agreed that education is more important than restriction. “Schools should absolutely promote healthy eating, but the focus should be on nutritional quality, not arbitrarily banning culturally familiar foods,” he told The National.
Parental pivot
For parents navigating the new lunchbox landscape, experts offer practical advice.
“My advice to parents is to focus on simple, nutritious alternatives that keep lunches balanced and appealing for kids,” Ms Altowairqi said. “Think wholegrain sandwiches, lean proteins, fresh fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, nuts and seeds if allowed, or home-made snacks like wholegrain muffins with minimal sugar.”
Water should be the primary drink and all food should be nutrient-dense rather than ultra-processed, she added. “It can also help to involve children in planning and preparing their lunchboxes – this not only makes them more likely to eat what’s packed but also teaches lifelong habits around healthy eating.”
Dr Baffour-Awuah encouraged parents to view the changes positively. “I would encourage parents to see this as an opportunity rather than a limitation,” she said. “Children's tastebuds adapt. Research shows that within two to three weeks, preferences shift when sugar levels are reduced. What feels 'bland' at first often becomes the new normal.”
Consistency between home and school is vital, she added. “When home and school align, children feel secure. And security supports healthy habits.”
Mr Durrant agreed that parental involvement will determine the policy's success. “Strong parental engagement is a vital element of our school, and we look forward to working closely with our parents on this, and all other policies, so our children can make informed, healthy choices.”
Emirate-wide initiative
The school food regulations form part of Abu Dhabi's wider push to improve nutritional standards across the emirate. Last month, authorities announced the Nutri-Mark system, a front-of-pack labelling scheme that grades food products from A to E based on their nutritional profile.
The labelling system is already prompting manufacturers to reformulate products, said Ms Altowairqi. “It encourages producers to reformulate and offer healthier options even before the system becomes mandatory. This kind of transparency can help shift the food environment in a way that supports better diets across all ages.”
