Private schools in Abu Dhabi must ensure a healthy and safe environment for all staff, students and visitors as mandated by recent guidelines from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC).

Schools must implement comprehensive policies that outline the responsibilities of students, staff, contractors and visitors. The policy emphasizes educating staff and students about potential hazards and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality health services through school clinics at no additional cost.

Although the policies came into effect from the 2024/25 academic year, schools are expected to be fully compliant with the updated policies by 1 February 2026.

Here are the health and safety policies that private schools in the Capital are required to follow:

Schools must appoint a dedicated, full-time health and safety officer responsible for implementing and overseeing health and safety policies. They can only be assigned to other relevant roles (eg facilities manager) as long as health and safety remains their priority. A deputy may be appointed to cover the officer’s shorter periods of leave.

The officer is required to remain on the school premises at all times of the day. This role cannot be split across multiple campuses to ensure focused oversight. The health officer must meet specific training and qualification requirements (see below) until February 1, 2026.

A policy requires all students to receive education on health and safety topics such as road safety, risk management, fire safety and first aid.

Schools must also ensure that all staff receive training to equip them with the basic knowledge (including reporting of dangerous and health and safety incidents) and practical skills to protect pupils.

Schools must comply maximum weight limits for students’ schoolbags. A student’s backpack should not exceed 5-10% of the child’s body weight when packed, taking into account individual factors such as general health, physical strength and any existing health conditions. This guide is intended to prevention of adverse effects on the student’s spine or body.

Schools must follow procedures for the safe storage and safe use of potentially hazardous substances and equipment, including laboratory chemicals, biological materials, cleaning agents, workshop tools and maintenance equipment.

Smoke-free campus: Schools must maintain a smoke-free environment both on their premises and in surrounding areas by enforcing a strict no-smoking policy (including electronic cigarettes/vaping) for all students, staff and visitors.

Schools must now operate on-site clinics to provide health care services, led by a full-time, licensed school nurse. These clinics must comply with Department of Health (DoH) standards. Schools must obtain and maintain a DoH medical facility license to operate their clinic.

Medicines must be administered in accordance with DoH requirements, including the management of accidents and medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis and convulsions. This process requires a completed parental consent form.

Regular basic and comprehensive health checks should be carried out. Schools must also facilitate access to health providers appointed by the DoH to conduct the school-based immunization program for students.