The UAE issues new guidance to improve unauthorised absences in public schools.
The UAE’s Ministry of Education has introduced new attendance guidelines for the 2025-26 academic year, with a move towards more parent/carer accountability. These guidelines aim to reduce truancy and reinforce how important it is to attend school consistently.
Consequences for absences
Absences for reasons such as illness or family bereavement are, of course, acceptable. The guidance is really targeting students/parents taking time off for shopping, travel or extended holidays. Under the new rules for public schools, a written warning will be issued after just one day of unexcused absence – and days off around Fridays or holidays will incur a double penalty.
Those students clocking up more than 15 unexcused absences in a school year (the maximum figure allowed) will be – along with their parent/carer – referred to the authorities and child protection agencies.
Support is key
It’s not all about punishment though. Schools are set to provide support to students at risk of falling through the cracks on attendance with individual support plans. These could include counselling and regular parent communication, alongside interventions designed to address any enduring causes of absence.
Will these rules extend to private schools?
The latest guidelines apply to public schools only and it’s as yet unknown whether they will cross over into private schools, which usually use their own policies in conjunction with KHDA guidelines.
