New ADEK Nutrition Policy: Abu Dhabi Nurseries Ban Sugary & Processed Foods

Early childhood education centres across Abu Dhabi will no longer be allowed to serve sugary drinks, fried snacks, and ultra-processed foods to children after the introduction of the new ADEK nutrition policy by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). 

According to the Al Khaleej newspaper report, the new directive aims to foster healthier eating habits from an early age and protect children from nutrition-related risks. However, the groundbreaking step reinforces the commitment of the UAE to the well-being of children. Hence, it aligns with the national health strategy and global recommendations. 

Key Highlights of the New ADEK Nutrition Policy

Nurseries and kindergartens are required to eliminate a wide range of unhealthy food and drink items under the new rules. The following is the list of those items:

• Sugar-sweetened beverages — soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks (except isotonic)
• Caffeinated drinks — tea, coffee
• Foods high in added sugars — candy, milk chocolates, marshmallows, cotton candy, ice cream
• Fried items — fried chicken, samosas, falafel
• Processed meats — sausages, hot dogs, mortadella
• Salty snacks — chips, puffed corn snacks
• Ultra-processed foods — containing artificial sweeteners, colourings, flavour enhancers
• Foods with additives such as Tartrazine (E102), Sunset Yellow (E110), and Allura Red (E129)
• Foods containing pork products or alcohol
• Hydrogenated fats
• Unpasteurised foods
• Soy milk and soy-based sauces
• Nuts (allergy-risk)
• Foods posing choking hazards
• Honey for infants below 12 months

No Food as Reward or Punishment

The ADEK has also banned the use of food as a reward or disciplinary measure. Thus, schools are required to include this rule in their nutrition policies. Moreover, the department highlighted that food should never be connected to behaviour control, supporting positive developmental and psychological practices.

Healthy Learning Environment for Young Learners

According to ADEK, the initiative focuses on protecting health, safety, and cognitive development. Moreover, meals served or brought from home, including food given during events and celebrations, must comply with the nutrition standards. 

Moreover, parents and staff are required to be clearly informed of the guidelines to ensure accountability and clarity. Furthermore, the department also requires centres to ensure free access to clean drinking water throughout the day, which promotes proper hydration. 

Engaging Parents in Childhood Nutrition

The authority highlighted the importance of parental involvement in shaping the dietary habits of children. Moreover, the ADEK plans actively involve parents in decision-making around nutrition to create consistency between home and school environments. In addition, health experts also recommend parental collaboration in early education settings to encourage children to make balanced food choices.

Why This Policy Matters: Expert Insight

The proactive stance of the UAE shows leadership in preventive health through the Abu Dhabi school health guidelines, as childhood obesity and diet-related health issues rise throughout the world. 

A nutrition expert said, “Healthy eating habits developed in the early years set the foundation for lifelong wellness. The  early childhood centres food rules UAE support the  growth, learning abilities, and long-term health outcomes of the children throughout the country.” Hence, it reflects the international best practices from the WHO and UNESCO in child nutrition and learning development.

Key Takeaways

The new ADEK Nutrition Policy is a big step in creating a healthier future generation in the  United Arab Emirates (UAE). Moreover, Abu Dhabi continues to prioritise the well-being of children due to a strong partnership between schools, policymakers, and parents throughout the country. 

Hence, the nation is setting a healthy example for the region to adopt healthy habits for its loved ones. However, only banning unhealthy foods in schools will not help children to live a healthy life. Instead, parents should also contribute to avoid these items at home. 

Read more:

Kerala becomes first state without extreme poverty.

UAE Leads the World in AI Adoption: Microsoft Report Confirms Record Workplace Usage in 2025