New Abu Dhabi Rules to Regulate Absences in Private Schools
The move aims to curb chronic skipping, encourage stronger attendance, and make sure students don’t fall behind in the classroom.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge has introduced stricter attendance rules for private schools, setting new limits on absences and clearer responsibilities for parents.
Students in grades 1 to 12 will be flagged if they miss more than 5% of the school year, equal to nine days. For nursery pupils, the threshold is 10%, or 18 days.
Excused absences now cover illness, emergency medical appointments, bereavement, official duties, competitions, public holidays, exam leave and government closures. Family holidays during term time, non-emergency appointments and non-severe weather will count as unexcused.
Parents may provide sick notes for up to three consecutive days, with a limit of 12 days per year. Longer absences require a Department of Health certificate, and if a child exceeds 12 medical days, full reports from the department must be submitted. All pupils are expected to complete missed work and exams, regardless of the reason for absence.
At the federal level, the Ministry of Education has approved new attendance rules for the 2025–26 academic year. A warning system will be triggered after a single unexcused absence, and schools must notify parents immediately. Absences on Fridays, or on the day before or after a public holiday, will count as two days.
