Schools in Abu Dhabi will soon be required to ensure that students’ backpacks do not exceed 5-10% of their body weight, following a revised policy from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
According to a Khaleej Times report, this new rule, effective from February 1, 2026, aims to prevent potential health risks associated with heavy backpacks, particularly on students’ spines.
The weight limits were determined based on guidelines from the American Chiropractic Association, and individual factors such as a student’s overall health, strength, and existing conditions must also be considered when applying these limits. The specific weight limits vary by grade level:
- KG1/FS2 to Grade 1/Year 2: Maximum 2kg
- Grade 2/Year 3 to Grade 4/Year 5: Maximum 3kg to 4.5kg
- Grade 5/Year 6 to Grade 8/Year 9: Maximum 6kg to 8kg
- Grade 9/Year 10 to Grade 12/Year 13: Maximum 10kg
