UAE school rules are getting stricter, with some schools telling students to leave energy drinks, chips, hoodies and certain hairstyles at home.

Students heading back to class in the UAE are being reminded that what they wear, eat and drink at school matters. A number of public and private schools have tightened UAE school rules covering everything from energy drinks and bags of chips to hoodies and hairstyles.

The measures come as students settle into the second week of the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools have sent circulars and messages to parents and pupils explaining what is and is not allowed once students enter the campus.

Among the items on the prohibited list are energy drinks, soft drinks, tea, coffee and chips. Students have also been told not to wear hoodies inside school premises.

Rules regarding hairstyles

Appearance is another area getting attention.

Schools have warned against “qaza” haircuts, where parts of the head are shaved while other sections are left longer. Long hair for male students and other hairstyles considered inconsistent with school appearance requirements are also restricted.

Schools say the aim is not simply to police what students look like. The tighter UAE school rules are intended to encourage discipline, maintain a consistent school appearance and create an organised learning environment.

Parents are being asked to play their part too, including checking that children are dressed and groomed appropriately before leaving home.

Also read: UAE schools reopen tomorrow: 1.3 million students return, expect busy roads

Also read: Breaking News: UAE students will be returning to classrooms as schools reopen from April 20

What happens if students bring banned snacks?

The food rules go beyond simply telling students not to eat certain products.

Schools have warned that prohibited food and drinks found in a student’s possession can be confiscated. The incident may also be officially recorded and dealt with under the school’s code of conduct, including the deduction of conduct marks where applicable.

Students are instead being encouraged to choose food provided by approved school canteen operators.

The nutrition push fits into a wider effort to encourage healthy eating during school hours. The UAE’s national school food guidance already restricts products including sugary beverages, energy drinks, tea, coffee and potato chips in school environments.

Dubai Municipality has also stepped up inspections and awareness campaigns for the new academic year, covering more than 500 educational institutions and checking school canteens for compliance with approved food safety and nutrition requirements.

For students, the message is fairly straightforward: that energy drink, oversized hoodie or favourite packet of chips might be better left at home.

Impact to expect

The tighter UAE school rules could mean a more consistent approach to student appearance, behaviour and nutrition. Families may need to pay closer attention to what children wear and pack for school, while students could see healthier food choices becoming a bigger part of everyday campus life.