New absence guidelines issued for UAE public schools

Public school students could repeat a year for absences exceeding 15 days under new rules issued by the UAE Ministry of Education.

These absences do not include illness, medical travel, event participations, emergencies and deaths in the family. 

Releasing details of the new guidelines, the ministry has allowed up to five "unexcused" absences per term, with a maximum of 15 days per year. 

If a student exceeds the 15-day mark, they will be subject to repeating the year, with their file transferred relevant authorities and child protection services. 

It will now be up to relevant educational board entities to reveal if the guidelines will be adapted to private schools as well. 

The Ministry has also activated a warning system to notify parents of their child's absence from day one.

"Unexcused absences" on Fridays and days preceding or following official holidays will account for two days of absence, the ministry added. 

Students with special needs and chronic illness have also been given special exemptions.

Ministry of Education Approves New Attendance and Absence Guidelines for the 2025–2026 Academic Year pic.twitter.com/v2aCnJcdbF

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) September 1, 2025

This initiative follows a decrease in academic achievement due to student absences and as part of efforts to enhance school discipline. 

Citing educational studies, the ministry highlighted that students with absence of 10 per cent of school days recorded "decrease in the level of achievement that is equivalent to half an academic year", with the loss doubling to the equivalent of a full academic year if absence exceeds 20 per cent of school days.

Schools have also been mandated to develop individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, with psychological and educational support sessions, regular communication with parents and incentive programmes.

The ministry also granted parents the right to file a grievance within five working days from the date of notification of absence, ensuring transparency and fairness in the implementation of the policy.