School lunch bill: UAE families could spend around Dh800 a month per child

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.

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.

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.”

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.