Stricter UAE School Absence Rules Unveiled

Stricter Absence Rules in UAE Schools from November 10 to 19

In the United Arab Emirates' state schools, new stricter attendance rules will come into effect as the first semester exam period approaches. Approaching the end of the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, authorities have announced that from November 10 to 19, unauthorized absences of students will be counted as double. This rule previously applied only to absences on Fridays but now affects every weekday, emphasizing the critical importance of the period before exams.

Why Double Absences?

According to the attendance and absence guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, the purpose of the decision is to strengthen school attendance discipline, especially during the school year stage when students are already preparing for the end-of-semester central exams. Unauthorized absences at this time can impact not only grades but also average results and advancement eligibility.

The official exam period will take place from November 20 to December 4. However, due to the UAE national day, the first part ends on November 27, followed by a six-day break, including the weekend. Students will resume their remaining exams on December 4.

Focus on Regular Attendance

Schools have highlighted that during this nine-day period – from November 10 to 19 – daily attendance is crucial. Educational institutions have not only tightened the absence rules but also enriched the programs to help students complete the semester as successfully as possible.

Three Key Educational Initiatives

During this period, three nationwide programs assist with learning and exam preparation:

"With Structure Together" Initiative – Focuses on the logical structure of the curriculum and independent learning pathways.

"Success Program" – Supports students in achieving their goals with motivational elements and practical guidance.

"Digital Empowerment" Program – Promotes conscious use of ICT tools and development of digital skills.

These programs are part of the ministry's long-term strategy, aiming to foster creativity, independence, and innovation in preparation for the challenges of the future labor market.

Preparing for Digital Exams

Since many exams are held in electronic form, schools have increasingly called on parents and students to check the condition of devices used at home or school. Attention was drawn to the following:

Electronic devices should be checked in time to avoid last-minute malfunctions.

Malfunctioning devices should be handed over to the school’s technical team for repair, preferably before the exams start.

The cost of repairs is the responsibility of the parents, including replacing broken screens, liquid damage, or lost chargers.

Downloading Safe Browsers

Schools also informed parents that safe exam browsers are downloadable from official sources so that students using their own devices can exam in a reliable, closed environment. This excludes distracting factors and ensures the correct solving of question papers.

The Parents' Role is Crucial

The stricter regulation requires increased attention not only from students but also from parents. Schools emphasized that absences due to family trips or other programs could be particularly disadvantageous now, as they will automatically be recorded as double days, which can significantly affect grades.

Parents' cooperation and support are essential for students to complete the semester with the best possible results and smoothly proceed to the next stage.

Summary

The period from November 10 to 19 in UAE schools represents not only the closure of the curriculum but also a test of preparation and self-discipline. The purpose of the double absence rule is not to impose penalties but to encourage responsible attendance. Students now need all the support they can get – whether from family support, digital devices, or well-structured educational programs – to successfully overcome the challenges of the mid-year exams and lay the groundwork for further studies.

(Source of the article is Ministry of Education's statement.)