Canteens, food containers, water bottles, swimming pools and uniforms are among the areas facing closer checks as schools begin the new academic year.
Dubai has stepped up health and safety inspections across schools as students return for the 2026–2027 academic year, with authorities taking a closer look at the facilities, products and services that affect students’ daily lives.
Dubai Municipality has deployed its “City Inspectors” across more than 500 educational institutions. The inspections cover school canteens, water systems, swimming pools and other facilities, while everyday products such as food containers, drinking bottles and school uniforms are also being examined.
The wider programme combines inspections with awareness campaigns designed to help schools, parents, teachers and students understand how to maintain a safer and healthier school environment.
School canteens under closer scrutiny
School canteens are a key focus of the inspection programme. Inspectors are checking permits and reviewing menus to make sure food offered to students follows Dubai Municipality’s nutrition requirements.
The inspections also look at the conditions in which food is prepared and served. Ventilation and air-conditioning systems, air filters, water tanks and cleaning arrangements are among the areas being reviewed.
Schools must also maintain the necessary cleaning, maintenance and laboratory testing records. The municipality is using field inspections together with its DM Checked platform to strengthen monitoring of food-related services in educational institutions.
Swimming pools and safety equipment checked
Swimming pools are another important part of the checks.
Inspectors are looking at whether schools have certified lifeguards, appropriate rescue equipment and first-aid supplies. The measures are intended to reduce risks for students using school swimming facilities and ensure that schools are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency.
Rather than focusing only on individual facilities, the programme also places emphasis on awareness. Students, parents and school employees are being encouraged to understand the simple steps they can take to support health and safety on campus.
Food containers and bottles tested
The inspection drive extends beyond school premises to products commonly used by children.
Dubai Municipality is carrying out checks on food contact materials, including lunch containers and drinking water bottles available in the local market. Around 800 products are being assessed, with samples collected for laboratory testing.
The testing is intended to determine whether the products meet the required safety specifications before being used by consumers.
For parents preparing children for school, the checks highlight the importance of choosing suitable lunchboxes and reusable bottles, especially when these items are used every day.
School uniforms also face checks
School uniforms have also come under the municipality’s wider safety programme.
Samples are being collected from retail outlets and school uniform suppliers and sent for assessment at the Dubai Central Laboratory. The products are being examined through an approved risk-assessment process to verify that they meet the relevant safety requirements.
The checks show how the programme extends beyond classrooms and school buildings to products that students regularly wear and use.
Students receive healthy food guidance
Inspections are being supported by awareness activities aimed at students, parents, teachers, food supervisors and canteen workers.
Students are being introduced to the Smart Food Choices system, which uses colour classifications to help them understand which foods are healthier choices.
The programme also covers personal hygiene, including proper handwashing and the safe preparation, storage and consumption of school meals and lunchboxes.
Food waste and responsible consumption are also being discussed, encouraging students to think about both their health and the environmental impact of their food choices.
Training for school food staff
Canteen employees, food supervisors and school food safety officers are receiving additional training on food preparation, storage and handling.
They are also being briefed on approved nutrition requirements, helping ensure that food served at schools continues to meet the standards expected by authorities.
Parents are also being given guidance through digital and traditional channels, including advice on preparing balanced and safe meals for children at home.
As Dubai schools settle into the new academic year, the expanded inspections underline the emirate’s focus on student health and safety. By combining inspections with training and awareness, authorities are taking a broader approach to school wellbeing.
From the food children eat to the bottles they drink from, the uniforms they wear and the facilities they use, more aspects of everyday school life are now coming under closer attention.