Dubai launches digital platform to overhaul school nutrition and food safety

Dubai has begun a major transformation of school nutrition by introducing a digital system that will reshape how meals are planned, approved, and monitored across educational institutions.

The My School Food platform, launched by Dubai Municipality at the 19th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, brings together more than 500 schools, nurseries, and universities, along with over 50 food suppliers, on one integrated dashboard serving more than 400,000 students.

The municipality describes the platform as a complete digital ecosystem that goes beyond approving school menus. It combines nutrition guidance, menu assessment, supplier training, and student learning tools in a single system.

The platform also includes Ghalia, an AI assistant that responds to students, parents, teachers, and suppliers using verified information on healthy eating, food safety, and waste reduction.

Students will have access to interactive educational content, while parents will receive recipes and practical guidance to help reinforce healthy habits at home.

Food suppliers will undergo mandatory training and certification directly through the portal. Inspectors can review and clear menus in real time because the platform is connected to the municipality’s food-safety monitoring network.

Dubai has also introduced stricter rules that define what food can be offered in school canteens. These include calorie and portion guidelines, age-based nutrition planning, clear labeling requirements, allergy management, and higher hygiene standards.

A color-coded Smart Food Choices System classifies all items offered in schools into four categories: green for daily recommended foods, yellow for foods allowed occasionally, red for restricted items, and black for banned options.

Each school and supplier must appoint a trained Nutrition in Charge to monitor compliance, and institutions will be required to complete monthly self-audits using NutriCheck.

The initiative is being supported through collaborations with several organizations to strengthen Dubai’s food-supply ecosystem.

A partnership with Jebel Ali Free Zone aims to simplify inspection processes for major food companies and speed up the clearance of imported food supplies. Work with Ecolab UAE focuses on developing technology-based solutions for water safety and sustainable food management.

Dubai Municipality is also working with Canadian University Dubai and Manipal Academy of Higher Education–Dubai on research projects, AI tools for assessing risks, and specialized training for students entering the food-safety field.

Although the platform has already been introduced, officials say the strictest nutritional rules, including enforcement of the entire color-coded system, will be phased in during the 2025–26 academic year to give schools and suppliers time to adjust.

Dubai’s approach is aligned with global conversations about rising childhood obesity and the importance of healthier food environments in improving academic outcomes.

Authorities say the long-term goal is to build a school system where nutritious choices are easier for children, supported by technology, strong regulations, and coordinated oversight.