Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Private schools in Abu Dhabi will soon be required to ensure that students' backpacks do not weigh more than 5-10 percent of their body weight, according to a revised policy by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. The authority set specific weight limits for students in different grades based on recommendations from the American Chiropractic Association. Factors like a student's overall health, physical strength, and any existing health conditions should be considered to prevent negative effects on their spine or body. Here are the maximum backpack weight limits for private school students: KG1/FS2- Not exceeding 2kg KG2/Year 1- Not exceeding 2kg Grade 1/Year 2- Not exceeding 2kg Grade 2/Year 3- Not exceeding 3kg to 4.5kg Grade 3/Year 4- Not exceeding 3kg to 4.5kg Grade 4/Year 5- Not exceeding 3kg to 4.5kg Grade 5/Year 6- Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg Grade 6/Year 7- Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg Grade 7/Year 8- Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg Grade 8/Year 9- Not exceeding 6kg to 8kg Grade 9/Year 10- Not exceeding 10kg Grade 10/Year 11- Not exceeding 10kg Grade 11/Year 12- Not exceeding 10kg Grade 12/Year 13- Not exceeding 10kg The advisory stated that schools must comply with this policy starting February 1, 2026. FLE/Expat Media
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