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.

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.

In a totally unforeseen move, the CBSE dropped the Class 10 results for 2026 much earlier than the usual May window. While students across India and the globe are rushing to check their scores, the vibe in the UAE is a bit different.

Because of the recent regional disruptions, many students here couldn’t sit for all their papers, leading to a mix of relief and “what happens next?”

How to check your scores

If you haven’t seen your results yet, don’t just refresh the main portal. The official sites had some early technical glitches, so your best bet for speed is:

• DigiLocker
• UMANG App
• Official CBSE Results Portal

Second chance for UAE Students

Worried about your grades or missed papers? Don’t panic. CBSE Principals in the UAE have confirmed that a massive safety net is in place.

A fresh round of compartment-cum-improvement exams is set to begin on May 17. Under a new initiative, the rules have been relaxed to help students affected by the recent events:

• Retake Up to 3 Subjects: You can pick three core subjects, or a mix of two core subjects and one language.
• Best Score Wins: The higher mark between your original result and the retake will be the one that counts.
• Academic Planning: This gives students a chance to secure the grades they need for their preferred Grade 11 streams (Science, Commerce, or Arts).

For now, you’ll only have access to a soft copy of your results. The official, physical certificates won’t be issued until after the second round of exams in May, this applies to everyone, whether you choose to retake a subject or not.