Dubai has introduced a new Unified Health Screening service that combines residency medical fitness tests and occupational health examinations into one streamlined digital process, with residency permits issued automatically once medical results are approved.

Launched under the City Makers initiative, the service is designed to simplify procedures for residents, professionals and employers across sectors. Instead of completing separate medical fitness and occupational health screenings, applicants can now finish all required examinations in a single visit.

How the unified health screening works

Through a smart digital platform, applicants select their profession and the system automatically determines the required medical tests. Once completed and approved, the results are digitally integrated across government entities. Residency permits are then issued automatically, eliminating duplication, paperwork and additional processing time.

The service connects databases between key authorities, allowing secure and real-time data exchange. Officials say this improves efficiency, reduces errors and supports preventive planning as Dubai continues to grow economically and demographically.

Government integration across dubai

The initiative was developed in collaboration with:

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
• General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai)
• Dubai Municipality
• Supreme Legislation Committee
• Department of Finance

Officials described the launch as a “qualitative leap” in government integration, highlighting its role in automating processes, accelerating data exchange and improving customer experience.

The new system also supports inspection teams by providing access to real-time occupational health data, enhancing compliance monitoring and emergency preparedness.

Where the Service Is Available

The Unified Health Screening service is currently available at Dubai Health medical fitness centres, including:

• Al Garhoud
• Al Nahda
• Al Karama
• Al Yalayis
• Bur Dubai
• Jebel Ali Free Zone
• Zabeel
• Smart Salem Centres

Authorities confirmed that additional centres will be added in the next phase to meet growing demand.

What Is the City Makers Initiative?

The City Makers initiative promotes cross-government collaboration to deliver integrated, customer-focused public services across Dubai.

Parents in Abu Dhabi will need to rethink lunchboxes from the 2025/26 academic year after the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) introduced strict new food rules for schools.

Under the new policy, a wide range of foods and drinks are banned on school grounds, including items brought from home.

What foods are banned

The ADEK “red list” includes:

• Deep-fried foods such as falafel, samosas, fried chicken and fries
• Sweets including cakes, doughnuts, candy and chocolate with less than 50% cocoa
• Ice cream and high-sugar desserts
• Soft drinks — including diet and zero-calorie sodas
• Energy drinks, sports drinks, iced coffees and sweetened teas
• Processed meats such as hot dogs, mortadella, salami, pepperoni, and smoked turkey
• High-calorie sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise and ranch
• Pickled vegetables
• Foods containing artificial dyes, MSG, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners
• All nuts, sesame seeds and soy products due to allergy concerns

Even zero-sugar sodas have been prohibited due to concerns over sweeteners and a lack of nutritional value.

Why these foods are banned

ADEK says the changes aim to improve students’ health, concentration and overall well-being. Schools were warned that certain foods can contribute to:

• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration
• Sleep disruption
• Weight management issues
• Long-term health risks linked to high sodium and saturated fats

What foods are allowed

Some favourites can stay, with healthier tweaks.

• Oven-baked or air-fried versions of falafel and similar dishes are permitted
• Water, sparkling water and unsweetened fruit-infused water are encouraged
• Unflavoured milk and unsweetened yoghurt are allowed
• Lean grilled meats and fish are preferred over processed meats
• Fresh vegetables instead of pickled options
• Low-sugar, portion-controlled whole-grain baked goods

When do the new rules start

Schools have been instructed to comply starting from the Autumn term of the 2025/26 academic year.

The authority emphasised that schools play a key role in promoting healthy eating habits, and parents will now be expected to align with the new guidelines when preparing packed lunches.

The UAE has withdrawn a batch of Aptamil Advance 1 POF infant formula, expanding a global baby formula recall over concerns the product may be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) confirmed that products with an expiry date of November 8, 2026, have been recalled after traces of the toxin were detected.

Products Removed From Stores

Authorities said the affected infant formula has been transferred to distributors’ warehouses, in coordination with Nutricia Middle East (Danone). Efforts are ongoing to remove all remaining products from supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retail platforms across the UAE.

Advice for Parents

Consumers are urged to:

• Check the expiry date on Aptamil Advance 1 POF products
• Dispose of the formula immediately if it matches the recalled batch

The recall follows Danone’s wider withdrawal of certain infant formula and follow-on milk products in the UK and European Union, where the company warned the affected products could potentially cause nausea and vomiting.

Growing Global Focus on Infant Food Safety

The UAE has previously recalled several Nestle infant products over similar concerns involving toxin-forming bacteria. The latest precautionary recalls have impacted some of the world’s largest dairy groups, including Nestle, Danone, and Lactalis, highlighting increased global scrutiny around baby food safety and quality controls.

Authorities said they continue to closely monitor the situation and have reassured parents that consumer safety and infant health remain top priorities.