The Ministry of Health and Prevention is promoting balanced meals and tighter controls on sugary, salty and highly processed foods in schools to improve pupils’ wellbeing, concentration and long-term health.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has said that stronger school nutrition is a central part of the UAE’s effort to build healthier habits from an early age, arguing that classrooms and canteens are among the most influential settings in shaping what children eat. The ministry said school meals should support steady growth, better concentration and longer-term wellbeing, rather than simply filling a gap in the day.
According to the ministry, this work sits within the wider national policy on healthy lifestyles and the National Nutrition Guide, which is intended to serve as a reference point for food choices in schools and other settings. The guide is also aligned with the National Nutrition Strategy 2031, which seeks safer and more supportive food environments across all stages of life, while government health materials say the broader aim is to improve dietary habits, reduce the burden of lifestyle-related disease and encourage physical activity.
The ministry said a balanced start to the school day should include, where possible, a combination of wholegrains, protein and fruit or vegetables. It gave examples such as wholemeal bread with eggs or cheese and vegetables, or oats with milk and fruit. For lunchboxes, it recommended a practical structure built around protein, fruit or vegetables, wholegrains and water, with dairy products or suitable alternatives added as needed, depending on the child’s age, preferences and the time available to eat.
Officials also urged parents to involve children in choosing healthy items for their lunchboxes, saying that this can improve acceptance and reduce food waste. They advised families to limit sweetened drinks, sugary snacks, salty processed foods and heavily manufactured products, and to replace less nutritious items with fruit, vegetables and other healthier alternatives. The ministry said regular meals and good hydration help sustain energy, alertness, focus and physical performance throughout the school day.
The school food guide uses a simple colour-coded system to help schools and suppliers identify which products are most appropriate. Green-labelled items are the preferred daily choices, amber items should be offered more sparingly, and red items are considered poor nutritional options and are not recommended for schools. According to the ministry, the guide also restricts products high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats, along with energy drinks, sweetened beverages, some sweets, fried foods and processed meats, while the ministry stressed that food safety matters from packing through to consumption, particularly for perishable items that must be kept away from heat and direct sunlight.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
