The UAE has introduced a new national guide aimed at improving the quality of food and beverages available in schools.

The National Guide for Food and Beverages in the School Environment is designed to help schools, suppliers, and service providers offer healthier and more nutritious options to students throughout the day.

Officials say the guide focuses on building healthy eating habits among students while ensuring they receive the energy needed for academic performance. It promotes balanced, age-appropriate meals that support physical growth, improve concentration, and boost overall learning outcomes.

The framework also sets clear standards for food safety, preparation, and storage, while defining responsibilities for schools, local authorities, and food suppliers. It applies to all educational institutions, including public and private schools, as well as centres for People of Determination.

Schools to keep watch

Under the new rules, schools must ensure full compliance with nutrition and hygiene standards, while suppliers are required to meet strict guidelines and maintain valid permits. Parents will also have access to canteen menus, and schools must track and address any food-related complaints.

The guide introduces a structured system for monitoring and enforcement, with local authorities responsible for inspections, compliance checks, and reporting.

A list of banned items has also been outlined to encourage healthier choices. These include sugary drinks, fried foods, chocolates, processed meats, and products containing nuts.

Authorities say the initiative marks a major step toward creating a healthier school environment and supporting long-term student well-being across the UAE.

Football fans in Dubai could be in for a big night this weekend as Cristiano Ronaldo and his Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr, prepare to take on Al Wasl in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

The match will be played at Zabeel Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. The fixture was earlier postponed by the Asian Football Confederation and is now finally set to take place.

Back from injury

The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Ronaldo will feature. The Portuguese star has recently returned from injury and is in good form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. However, he has played only once in this competition so far, with the club managing his workload and focusing on the Saudi Pro League title race.

There are signs that this could change. With Ronaldo regaining fitness and the season entering a crucial phase, this match could offer him a chance to build rhythm and match sharpness. While his participation is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful.

Even if Ronaldo does not play, the match still promises top-level action. Players like João Felix and Sadio Mane are expected to feature, bringing quality and experience to the pitch.

Officials say the game is likely to draw a strong crowd, with or without Ronaldo. For Dubai, it is set to be a major football evening.

The UAE Ministry of Education has just announced the news that all parents and students have been waiting for. Schools across the country are set to open on Monday, April, 20.

After more than a month of distance learning, nurseries, schools, and universities are reopening. Sharjah teaching staff are already back on campus getting things ready, and word from Dubai principals is that parents are happy with the announcement.

What’s the plan?

• Safety first: Authorities are doing a full preparedness programme, including operational checks and staff training to make sure everything is in order.
• Field checks: Regulators are on the ground conducting evaluation visits to ensure the transition is smooth.
• Flexibility: There’s a new framework in place to switch between in-person and remote learning if things change, so the joy of learning will never stop.

In another announcement, the Ministry of Education has announced that universities across the country will also resume in-person learning from Monday, April 20.

Distance learning first kicked off on March 2 after things got tense regionally. It was only supposed to be for a few days, but with the situation still tense, the spring break was brought forward, and remote learning kept getting extended to keep everyone safe.

With the situation now stabilising, students and parents are expressing relief and happiness as schools reopen. The return to in-person learning marks an important step toward normalcy.