{
  "id": 7753392,
  "title": "UAE schools tighten dress-code rules to restrict hairstyles and make-up",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/uae-schools-tighten-dress-code-rules-to-restrict-hairstyles-and-make",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-16T09:17:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/16/uae-schools-dress-code-appearance-food-rules/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the new academic year commenced, educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates implemented stricter regulations concerning student attire, grooming, and lunch provisions. Parents and students were briefed on limitations surrounding hairstyles, with boys prohibited from adopting the qaza style, characterized by partial shaving. School authorities emphasized that these standards were not merely about appearance, but integral to fostering behavior, responsibility, and respect. Jan Steel, principal of Gems Royal Dubai School, clarified that uniform and personal presentation guidelines were established prior to each school year and strictly enforced throughout the academic term. Boys were mandated to maintain clean, neat, naturally colored hair suitable for a school setting, rejecting extreme, patterned, or sharply contrasting styles. The American Academy for Girls adopted a more approachable method, deploying fun fashion-show videos and photographs to illustrate the dos and don'ts of their dress code, alongside detailed explanations of make-up usage and general appearance expectations. Michelle Thomas, principal of Gems Al Barsha National School, stressed that the school's enforcement of uniform and grooming standards was underpinned by respect and fairness. Students not adhering to uniform rules faced demerits, unless exceptional circumstances applied. The school maintained a uniform closet for those experiencing difficulties. Thomas highlighted that a shared uniform promoted identity, equality, and a sense of belonging within the school community, while also encouraging responsibility and respect for fellow students. Beyond the dress code, schools underscored the importance of nutritious lunches, cautioning against caffeinated beverages, ultra-processed foods, and those high in salt. Dubai schools complied with nutritional standards set by the Dubai Municipality and KHDA, while Abu Dhabi schools adhered to a ban on processed junk food, sugary drinks, energy drinks, confectionery, deep-fried items, nuts, and processed meats. These policies, encompassing appearance and dietary guidelines, were among several initiatives launched as the current academic year progressed, alongside measures for student welfare and digital safety.",
  "summary": "Schools in the UAE have started the academic year with tighter rules on what pupils can wear, how they can groom themselves and what they should bring for lunch. Parents and pupils have been informed about restrictions on hairstyles, including the qaza style for boys, in which parts of the head are shaved while other sections are left longer. Schools said the approach is not simply about…",
  "key_points": [
    "UAE schools enforce stricter dress-code rules for the new academic year",
    "Boys prohibited from qaza hairstyles, clean neat hair required",
    "Schools promote uniform, nutrition, digital safety alongside appearance standards"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "UAE schools tighten dress-code rules to restrict hairstyles and make-up",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/uae-schools-tighten-dress-code-rules-to-restrict-hairstyles-and-make-7755414",
        "published": "2026-09-16T09:17:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}