Schools across the United Arab Emirates are increasingly replacing processed foods with fresh, nutritious alternatives as part of a broader effort to improve student health and academic performance. Educational institutions are moving beyond simply restricting sugary drinks and fried items, focusing instead on integrating nutrition education into the daily curriculum and school routines.
Public schools in the UAE have implemented measures to restrict partially hydrogenated oils and have phased out products such as sweets, chocolates, and high-sodium snacks. Private schools are also adopting comprehensive strategies to reformulate menus. At Credence High School in Dubai, caterers are required to replace unhealthy options with balanced meals, while all items sold on campus include transparent calorie counts.
Raha International School in Abu Dhabi has replaced processed meats and packet sauces with freshly prepared dishes, including quinoa fried rice, meatless pasta, and homemade burgers made with Angus beef. Principal Jan Stipek noted that the school emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, while prohibiting energy drinks on campus.
Educators are emphasizing that changing menus is only one component of the shift. At Dubai British School, principal Lee Hole explained that nutrition is woven into science, physical education, and pastoral care to help students understand the connection between diet, energy, and wellbeing. Similarly, GEMS Education has launched its Beyond100 health program, which aims to foster positive relationships with food from an early age.
Managing food brought from home remains a challenge, though schools are actively engaging parents to ensure consistency. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) requires schools to provide nutrition guidance to families. Brighton College Abu Dhabi conducts regular lunchbox audits to monitor student meals, with Head Master Barney Durrant noting that the school holds informal discussions with parents when unhealthy options are identified.
This shift in the UAE reflects international trends seen in countries such as Japan, Finland, and France, where school meal systems are used as tools to promote long-term health and nutritional literacy among students.
Article source: gulfnews.com | Image credit: gulfnews.com