UAE Schools Tighten Dress Code Rules for 2026-27 Academic Year, Restricting Qaza Hairstyles, Hoodies, Make-Up, and Energy Drinks on Campus

UAE schools have tightened dress code and appearance rules at the start of the 2026-27 academic year, covering hairstyles, make-up, uniforms, and grooming standards, with enforcement beginning as students returned to campus. The qaza hairstyle, in which parts of the head are shaved while other sections are left longer, has been restricted at several schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Schools have also barred students from wearing hoodies inside school premises and imposed bans on make-up, nail polish, and caffeinated energy drinks. Schools view uniform policies as more than appearance, linking them to broader values of responsibility, equality, cultural respect, and a sense of belonging. Michelle Thomas, principal and CEO of Gems Al Barsha National School, told The National on September 16 that the school approaches such matters through education and partnership rather than embarrassment or confrontation. When a pupil comes to school with a hairstyle that is not permitted, the school speaks to the student and family and offers an opportunity to change. Nutrition policies are also being reinforced, with bans on caffeinated drinks, ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and deep-fried items across Dubai and Abu Dhabi schools in line with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge Healthy Food and Nutrition Policy. Shining Star International School policy restricts shaved designs, extreme hairstyles, and inappropriate grooming, while hoodies are also restricted under uniform and appearance expectations. Diyafah International School in Abu Dhabi said it follows Adek Code of Conduct on appearance and dress standards, noting that hairstyles can reflect personal, cultural, and religious choices, but the school does not permit energy drinks on campus citing extensive scientific evidence highlighting potential health risks for children and adolescents. The rules apply from the time students enter the school gate, with administrators warning that breaches may trigge