Dubai steps up school safety with over 500 inspections

Dubai Municipality has inspected more than 500 schools to ensure canteens, swimming pools, aircons and water tanks are being maintained to meet the city's health and safety standards.

Teams from the municipality combined field visits and smart monitoring to carry out the inspections ahead of the start of the new school year. 

Inspectors monitored the functioning of school canteens, verifying permits, approving food suppliers and reviewing menus to ensure they meet the municipality's approved nutrition guidelines. 

Officials also checked the maintenance of school buildings and facilities, including ventilation, air-conditioning, air filters and water tanks.

Swimming pools were also checked to ensure the placement of certified lifeguards, rescue equipment and first-aid supplies.

As part of the wider campaign, officers also inspected 800 products, including water bottles and lunch boxes, across local markets to ensure they meet the safety standards. 

Inspections of school uniforms were also carried out, with samples from retail outlets sent to Dubai Central Laboratory for "analysis". 

"By combining effective inspections with targeted awareness, we are working to protect students, strengthen food safety and encourage healthy practices that become part of their everyday lives," explained Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafie, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality.

Interactive workshops were also conducted to introduce students to understand and develop healthier eating habits, reducing food wastage and personal hygiene. 

Food supervisors, canteen staff and school food safety officers also received training on guidelines pertaining to preparation, storage and handling of meals and compliance with nutrition guidelines.