Today's Edition
SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s new school attendance rules allow only up to 10% of required school days in an academic year to be counted as excused and unexcused absences, after which any missed days will be flagged by school authorities, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has said.
The regulations are outlined by the emirate’s private education regulator in its Student Administrative Affairs Policy, which is being fully implemented in the 2025-2026 academic year.
ADEK recently shared an email with parents, reminding them about key details of the policy that aims to ensure “student academic, physical, social and emotional wellbeing”.
The policy allows students at the kindergarten level to miss up to 18 days of schooling during an academic year– both for reasons that are excused and unexcused – before the student is flagged as a “cause for concern”.
Students enrolled in Grades 1 to 12 are allowed up to 9 days of missed school, or 5% of the total required days of attendance for the year.
“Attendance is the foundation of your child’s future success. Being on time and present builds responsibility, protects learning, and ensures your child thrives,” ADEK said in its note.
Excused vs Unexcused
Reasons for excused absences include illness, emergency medical appointments, and official duties, as well as attendance at competitions and events, study and exam leave, loss of a first or second-degree relative, and government-mandated closures.
On the other hand, absences attributed to family vacations taken during school days, non-emergency medical appointments, non-severe weather conditions, and simply staying home without notifying the school are considered unexcused.
Schools must also record frequent lateness and intervene if the need arises.
Medical Absence
In the case of medical absences, parents must notify schools in writing if their child is absent. This applies for up to three consecutive days of absence from school.
From the fourth day onwards, parents will have to provide a sick leave certificate approved by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH).
A DOH-certified medical report also has to be provided if a student exceeds 12 days of absence from school due to chronic illness.
Exceeding Allowed Absenteeism
When a school determines that a student has exceeded the allowed absenteeism for the year, the child will be flagged as a “cause for concern”. The school will have to then assess if the child is at “educational risk” - defined as the “decreased probability of student continuity, promotion, or graduation, or continuation to post-secondary education or other career pathways” - and thus requiring further support and intervention.
In addition, if the school has a reasonable level of suspicion that the child is facing maltreatment or neglect, it is required to report the case to ADEK, in line with the ADEK School Student Protection Policy.
Responsibilities
ADEK has stressed that students are responsible for catching up on all school work and assessments missed on days when they are absent.
Parents are responsible for notifying schools of any absences, and providing relevant documents in order to ensure that a leave is deemed as excused.
