Food, water and facility safety: Dubai inspects schools, nurseries and educational institutions

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has intensified inspection and awareness activities across more than 500 educational institutions ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year, strengthening health, food safety and nutrition standards for students and school communities across Dubai. The Municipality’s preparations combine field inspections, smart monitoring and specialised awareness programmes covering school canteens, educational facilities and products used by students. The measures aim to ensure compliance with approved requirements and provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students and educational staff. Inspection teams are monitoring school canteens through field visits and the DM Checked platform, verifying relevant permits and ensuring menus comply with Dubai Municipality’s approved nutrition guidelines. The Municipality has also reviewed and approved food suppliers and canteen menus ahead of the academic year to support the provision of safe and nutritionally appropriate meals for students. Inspections extend beyond food establishments to educational buildings and facilities. Teams are checking ventilation and air-conditioning systems and air filters, as well as water systems and tanks, including approved cleaning and preventive maintenance records and required laboratory testing. Swimming pools are also being inspected to verify compliance with applicable requirements, including the availability of certified lifeguards, rescue equipment and first-aid supplies. Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafie, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Our preparations for the new academic year reflect Dubai Municipality’s commitment to creating a proactive and healthy environment across educational institutions. By combining effective inspections with targeted awareness, we are working to protect students, strengthen food safety and encourage healthy practices that become part of their everyday lives. “Our approach extends beyond compliance. We want students, parents and school staff to understand the role they each play in creating a safe and healthy school environment and to build positive habits that support students’ physical wellbeing and long-term quality of life.” As part of its wider preparations, Dubai Municipality has intensified inspections of food-contact materials available in the local market, covering approximately 800 products including food containers and drinking water bottles. Samples have also been collected for laboratory analysis to verify compliance with approved safety requirements and specifications. The Municipality is also verifying the safety and compliance of school uniforms. Samples have been collected from retail outlets and school uniform suppliers according to an approved risk-assessment mechanism for analysis at Dubai Central Laboratory. Alongside inspection activities, Dubai Municipality is implementing an awareness programme targeting students, parents, school staff, food supervisors and canteen employees. Interactive workshops introduce students to the Smart Food Choices system and its approved colour classifications of green, orange, red and black, helping them better understand food choices and develop healthier eating habits. Students are also receiving practical guidance on food safety and personal hygiene, including correct handwashing practices and the safe preparation, storage and consumption of school meals and lunchboxes. Other workshops and interactive activities focus on reducing food waste and promoting responsible consumption, helping students understand how everyday choices can contribute to protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. Food supervisors, canteen staff and school food safety officers are receiving dedicated training on approved requirements for the preparation, storage and handling of school meals and compliance with nutrition guidelines. In alignment with the objectives of the UAE’s Year of the Family, Dubai Municipality is also providing parents with practical guidance through digital and traditional channels to support the preparation of balanced and safe meals at home and reinforce healthy practices beyond the school environment.