UAE schools impose stricter grooming and food rules
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Schools across the UAE have tightened student appearance, clothing and food rules for the 2026-27 academic year, barring certain shaved hairstyles, hoodies and energy drinks on campus. Circulars sent by a number of public and private schools to pupils and parents set out restrictions covering grooming, uniform standards and food brought onto school premises. The rules…
UAE schools are implementing stricter appearance, clothing, and food regulations for the 2026-27 academic year. A circular sent to students and parents at numerous public and private schools outlines the new rules, which prohibit certain shaved hairstyles, hoodies, and energy drinks on campus. These rules apply from the moment students enter the school grounds, with breaches potentially leading to disciplinary action under individual school behavior policies.
Prohibited hairstyles include the "qaza" style, where parts of the head are shaved while other sections remain longer. Male pupils are also restricted from wearing long hair and other styles deemed inconsistent with the prescribed appearance standards. Hoodies are also barred inside schools covered by the circulars, and parents are urged to ensure their children's appearance and clothing comply with school expectations.
In addition to appearance rules, students are also forbidden from bringing tea, coffee, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, or chips onto school premises. Found items will be confiscated and formally documented, with potential deduction of behavior marks according to the school's disciplinary framework. Instead, pupils are directed to use food from approved school canteen providers.
These appearance and food restrictions aim to maintain a consistent school identity, an orderly learning environment, and support tighter control over nutrition and campus discipline. The new rules emerge during the second week of the academic year, which began at the end of August, as part of a broader emphasis on attendance, behavior, personal presentation, device use, and student wellbeing.
School administrators say the appearance rules help maintain a uniform school identity and promote responsibility, respect for teachers and fellow students, and adherence to the values schools seek to reinforce through their conduct systems. The food restrictions also align with a wider focus on healthy school environments, supported by the Dubai Municipality's inspection and awareness programmes across over 500 educational institutions.
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