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.

UAE residents can expect stable grocery bills this Ramadan, as the Ministry of Economy has confirmed that prices of nine essential food items will not increase during the holy month.

In preparation for the holy month, the Ministry will continue its nationwide campaign to monitor and prevent unjustified price hikes, with daily inspections taking place across retail outlets.

What items are protected?

The price freeze applies to nine basic commodities that are staples in most households:

• Cooking oil
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Rice
• Sugar
• Poultry
• Legumes
• Bread
• Wheat

These essential items are widely consumed during Ramadan, when grocery spending traditionally increases due to family gatherings and Iftar meals.

Strict monitoring in place

Speaking at a media briefing, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the Ministry will closely analyse food prices on a daily basis and intervene if any unjustified increases are detected.

The move builds on last year’s pricing policy, which requires retailers to maintain a minimum six-month gap between price increases on essential goods. Retailers must also obtain prior approval before raising prices.

To strengthen oversight, the Ministry launched a digital platform that monitors the prices of these nine key commodities. Over the past year, 377 complaints were received through the system, with around 30 per cent successfully resolved.

How residents can report price hikes

Residents who notice sudden or unjustified increases in food prices can:

• Call the toll-free number: 800 1222
• Submit complaints via the Ministry’s digital platforms

The Minister encouraged consumers to shop responsibly, keep receipts, and compare bills to ensure they are being charged correctly.

With Ramadan approaching, the Ministry says the focus remains on protecting consumers, ensuring fair pricing, and maintaining market stability during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

In the UAE, private sector employees typically receive a two-hour reduction in daily working hours during Ramadan, regardless of religion.

However, there are important exceptions.

Roles That May Not Receive Reduced Hours

Employees in roles where business continuity is essential may operate on normal schedules, including:

• Shift-based operations
• Security personnel
• Healthcare workers
• Hospitality staff (hotels, restaurants, tourism)
• Other critical service roles

In these cases, employers can implement alternative working arrangements, but they must still comply with:

• Maximum legal working hour limits
• Overtime compensation rules

What About Free Zones Like DIFC and ADGM?

Some free zones follow separate labour laws.

For example:

DIFC

• Only Muslim employees are entitled to reduced working hours (maximum six hours per day during Ramadan).
• Reduced hours do not apply to non-Muslim employees under DIFC law.

ADGM operates under its own employment regulations as well, which may differ from mainland UAE law.

What Happens If You Work Overtime?

Since regular working hours are reduced by two hours per day, any work beyond the reduced hours is generally considered overtime.

Employers can request overtime, but:

• Extra hours must not exceed two hours per day
• Overtime must be compensated as per UAE Labour Law

How Is Overtime Calculated?

If you work beyond normal hours:

• You are entitled to your normal hourly pay (based on basic salary) plus 25%
• If overtime falls between 10pm and 4am, compensation increases to 50% extra
• This late-night rule does not apply to shift workers

If you work on your official rest day:

• You are entitled to either:
  • A substitute rest day, OR
  • Normal pay plus 50%

While most private-sector workers benefit from reduced Ramadan hours, those in essential, shift-based, or continuous operations roles may not see shorter days. Still, they must be properly compensated if they work beyond legal limits.