School Lunch Bill: UAE Families Could Spend Around Dh800 A Month Per Child

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) As families prepare for the new school year in UAE, school meals are also another part of the back-to-school budget, with institutions offering families more flexible options to suit their needs.

Depending on the school, age of the child and type of meal chosen, parents can pay anywhere from Dh5 for an individual snack to Dh39 for a full school meal. Some schools offer pre-ordered lunches, while others allow students to buy food during the day, giving families more control over how much they spend.

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At the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, families can choose between termly, monthly and daily meal arrangements.“Meal prices range from Dh28.50 to Dh39, depending on the package selected. Meals include a starter, a choice of main courses, and dessert," said Brian Cleary, head of Secondary.

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For families who do not want to commit to a regular meal plan, there is also an occasional-use option.

He added,“Families can purchase school meals on a termly, monthly, or daily basis, providing flexibility depending on their needs,” Cleary said.“For students in Grade 1 and above, families can also purchase meal voucher booklets, which are ideal for those who would like to enjoy a school meal on an occasional basis.”

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From Dh5 snacks to Dh20 lunch combos

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, parents have a different range of options, particularly as children get older.

Foundation Stage and Primary students can have a pre-ordered lunch combo costing Dh20. The meal includes a protein, starch, vegetables, and cut fruit. Morning snacks, including fresh-cut fruit and bakery items incorporating fruit and vegetables, can also be ordered in advance.

Drinks are priced separately, with water costing Dh3 and juices Dh5, while individual snacks generally range from Dh5 to Dh10.

For older students, the school offers more flexibility. Secondary pupils can choose from grab-and-go options such as freshly prepared bakery items, salads and sandwiches, typically priced between Dh5 and Dh20. A hot lunch is available for Dh15.

Alan Cocker, principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi, said the idea is to let families choose according to their child's appetite and routine rather than committing to a fixed-term package.

“This approach allows families to choose the option that best suits their child's appetite, preferences, and daily routine rather than committing to a fixed-term meal package,” he said.

“Student safety is a priority, and allergen information is clearly communicated to families. For meals ordered in advance, allergen information is displayed within the ordering app, allowing parents to review this before making their selection. The food offered through our school catering service is nut-free and sesame-free,” he added.

That flexibility also extends to how children access and pay for their food.“We typically receive around 150-200 pre-orders each day, in addition to students who choose to purchase food directly from our catering outlets during the school day.

"For pre-orders, parents can add funds to their child's digital wallet through the Zenda app, providing a convenient cashless option for students. For purchases made directly on site, students can currently pay using their student wallet, card, or cash,” added Cocker.

The school's catering provision is SEHHI-approved and aligned with ADEK's healthy eating requirements, with allergen information displayed in the ordering app and on food sold on site.

For children with specific dietary requirements, parents can contact the catering and kitchen teams in advance to discuss what can be accommodated.

Menus evolve as kids become more independent

The difference between primary and secondary meal arrangements is not simply about price. Schools say the food system also changes as children become more independent and increasingly make their own choices.

At Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, the catering provider, Swiss Canonica, operates a six-week rotating international menu. Students can select from a starter, Chef's Special, main course, vegetarian or vegan main course and dessert.

Vegetarian and vegan choices are available every day, while parents are asked to provide information about allergies, intolerances, and other dietary requirements when booking meals.

Cleary said the menu is designed to give students both variety and choice.

“Our rotating international menu is designed to provide students with variety and choice throughout the school week,” he said.“Each day, students can choose from a selection that includes a starter, the Chef's Special, a main course, a vegetarian or vegan main course, and dessert.”

Cashless systems put meal choices in parents' and students' hands

Schools are also using digital systems to make meal management easier.

At Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, families use the SPARE App, with an individual account linked to each child. Parents can select meals and make payments directly through the app.

At Star International School, Al Twar, principal Lisa Passante said the school similarly combines advance ordering for younger children with greater independence for secondary students.

The school also works with Swiss Canonica and offers fresh vegetable starters, a range of main meals, vegetarian and vegan options and desserts. Its six-week rotating menu also includes international cuisine and weekly country-themed options.

“We also recognise that the way students choose and manage their meals changes as they become more independent,” Passante said.“Families of Primary students select and book meals in advance, while Secondary students have the flexibility to purchase their preferred options directly at school.”

The system is fully cashless, she added, making it easier for families and students to manage school meals during the day.

“Families of Primary students select and book meals in advance, while Secondary students have the flexibility to purchase their preferred options directly at school. The system is fully cashless, which makes managing school meals simpler for families and students.”

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