Schools across the UAE have moved to stop online food deliveries to students during school hours, citing child safety and a push to promote healthier eating habits. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) led the change ahead of the new school year, and several major school groups in Dubai have issued circulars telling parents that delivery apps such as Talabat and Noon are not allowed.
UAE schools ban online food deliveries: New rules, dates and who is affected
Abu Dhabi’s education authority introduced updated nutrition rules that explicitly prohibit external food deliveries to schools during operating hours, with the policy taking effect from the start of the academic year on 25 August 2025. The directive forms part of broader measures to tighten school nutrition policies across the emirate. In Dubai and other Emirates, leading school operators (including GEMS and several private schools) have circulated similar internal notices: online delivery services are strictly not allowed, and some schools require parents who bring food to do so in person at reception and sign an undertaking form. Examples named in reporting include Talabat and Noon among the banned delivery options.
Why UAE schools stopped food delivery apps: Health, safety and academic reasons
Authorities cite several key reasons for banning deliveries:
- Nutrition and health: Most app-ordered meals are fast food, high in fat, sugar and salt, and not aligned with UAE health standards. Limiting deliveries helps promote balanced eating habits.
- Food safety: Unlike school canteens, delivery food doesn’t undergo municipal or health inspections. This raises risks of poor handling, contamination, or undeclared allergens.
- Student focus: Ordering and receiving food during school hours disrupts lessons. Authorities highlight that well-planned meals improve focus, energy and classroom performance.
- Security and safeguarding: Limiting who can access school premises reduces unnecessary outside interaction, ensuring a safer environment for children.
How UAE schools will enforce the online food delivery ban and what parents should do
The new rules are being enforced through several measures:
- No app deliveries accepted: Schools will no longer accept food from delivery drivers, even if parents place an order.
- Parent handover only: If a child forgets their lunch, parents can bring food to the school reception. In some schools, parents must also sign an undertaking form.
- Canteens as the primary source: Approved canteens that meet Dubai Municipality, ADEK and Ministry of Health guidelines will provide meals, ensuring no student is left without food.
- Special dietary needs: Parents of children with allergies or medical conditions are encouraged to coordinate directly with the school to make arrangements.
For parents, the shift means planning ahead and avoiding reliance on quick app orders.
Healthy lunchbox ideas and parent tips after UAE school delivery ban
To adapt to the new policy, parents can focus on simple, balanced and easy-to-prepare meals. Practical tips include:
- Plan the night before: Pack lunches in the evening to save morning stress.
- Aim for balance: Include protein (eggs, chicken, hummus), whole-grain carbs (brown bread, wraps, rice), fruits, and vegetables.
- Hydrate smartly: Send a reusable water bottle instead of sugary drinks.
- Label containers: Add your child’s name and class to avoid mix-ups.
- Involve children: Let them choose snacks or help pack to reduce fussiness.
- Check with canteens: Schools are open to providing alternatives if students have dietary restrictions.
Example lunchbox combos:
- Chicken and avocado wrap + carrot sticks + apple slices
- Hummus with whole-grain pita + cucumber and tomato salad + orange
- Yogurt with granola + boiled egg + berries
What’s next: Compliance, canteens and parent concerns
The ban is expected to bring smoother meal management in schools, but it also comes with questions from parents. Some worry about picky eaters, time pressures at home, or affordability of canteen food. Schools and education authorities are assuring parents that canteens will continue to improve menus to make meals healthier and more appealing, No child will go hungry; schools will provide alternatives if lunches are forgotten, Feedback channels remain open so parents can raise concerns about menu choices or dietary needs. Ultimately, the initiative is less about limiting choice and more about building healthier habits, safer campuses, and stronger focus in classrooms.