A UAE minister has revealed a plan to offer complimentary meals to all public school students in the country by 2025. The initiative's initial phase will commence in 2023-24, with full execution and launch set for 2024-25.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized that the UAE School Meals initiative aims to address nutrition and ensure a healthy upbringing for children. Furthermore, it seeks to influence long-term behaviors, recognizing the undeniable connection between nutrition and education. During her address to the Global School Meals Coalition in Paris, she declared, "We are transitioning from zero to full coverage, providing free, nutritious meals to all students in public schools within the next two years." She further explained that while offering excellent schools and teachers is crucial, students cannot effectively absorb education without proper nutrition.

Backing her statement with research, the minister informed the international assembly of ministers and policymakers that for every dollar spent on a school meal, $9 is saved