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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.

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | September 1, 2025 10:14 PM IST

Ministry will implement an instant notification system that alerts parents immediately when their children miss school. (Photo: Unsplash)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Education has issued a new policy for student attendance for the 2025-2026 academic year. According to the attendance and absence rules, which were introduced on Monday, the ministry will implement an instant notification system that alerts parents immediately when their children miss school.

Warning issued on one unexcused absence

The guidelines stipulate that a warning will be issued after just one day of unexcused absence. The student’s file will also be referred, along with the guardian, to the competent authorities and external child protection entities after 15 days.

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.

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