UAE school attendance rules: Students with more than 15 unexcused absences may have to repeat academic year

Unexcused absences are capped at five days per term and 15 days per year. Students exceeding this limit may be required to repeat the academic year.

A warning will be issued after just one day of unexcused absence. (Photo: Unsplash)

Parents retain the right to appeal within five working days of being notified of any action.

As per the new regulations, absences falling on Fridays, or directly before or after official holidays, will be counted as two days.

Mobile phones banned in schools

Last week, the Ministry of Education imposed a ban on bringing mobile phones into school premises with an aim to protect students from the risks associated with carrying phones and to promote positive behaviour within a safe learning environment.

According to the ministry, students are prohibited from bringing mobile phones to schools, and authorities are required to carry out regular inspection campaigns to detect any violations.