Introduction
A new wave of concern has rippled through UAE parents after reports of strict attendance rules circulated in national headlines. Stories mentioned students potentially repeating a year after fifteen unexcused absences, or absences before and after holidays being counted as double.
This article explains what the Ministry of Education (MoE) policy actually says, who it applies to, and what it really means for parents and schools across the UAE — especially those in Dubai.
Summary
The Ministry of Education (MoE) recently approved what many media outlets referred to as a “new attendance circular.” However, there is no official circular published on the MoE’s website or in the federal legal portals.
What does exist is the MoE’s Student Assessment Policy Guide (2025–2026), a document outlining grading, attendance, and promotion standards for government and MoE-curriculum private schools. Within it, one line under the promotion policy states:
“Students who have more than 15 unexcused absences during the academic year shall not be promoted. Fridays and the two days before or after official holidays are counted as two days.”
This single clause seems to have been the source of the recent headlines. Media outlets combined this rule with broader attendance narratives, creating the impression of a sweeping new circular. In reality, the policy is not new, and its enforcement depends on the type of school your child attends.
To understand that distinction, it’s important to know the roles of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Importance and Impact
The MoE governs all federal public schools and MoE-curriculum private schools across the UAE. It sets the national framework for attendance, grading, and promotion.
In contrast, the KHDA, which operates under the Government of Dubai, regulates private and international schools within Dubai. It functions independently from the MoE but aligns with national standards where appropriate.
This structure means that not every MoE directive automatically applies to Dubai private schools. KHDA reviews federal policies and adapts them for Dubai’s private education landscape.
For parents and schools, this distinction matters greatly. The MoE’s rules directly bind public schools and MoE-curriculum institutions, but private schools under KHDA have greater flexibility. They’re primarily assessed on attendance rates, not on punitive absence thresholds.
The impact of this policy discussion is twofold:
- It has prompted schools to review and clarify their own attendance policies.
- It has reassured parents that missing a few days around the holidays will not trigger drastic penalties in most Dubai private schools.
Key Provisions of the Policy
The MoE’s Student Assessment Policy Guide outlines several key principles relevant to attendance and promotion:
- Attendance and Promotion Link
Students with over fifteen unexcused absences in an academic year may not be promoted to the next grade. This applies primarily to federal and MoE-curriculum schools. - Counting Absences Around Holidays
Fridays and the days before or after official holidays count as two days of absence. This rule was designed to discourage families from extending holidays without authorization. - Application Scope
- Government Schools: Fully bound by MoE circulars and guides.
- Private Schools (Outside Dubai): Supervised by the MoE or regional education zones; must comply with federal attendance standards.
- Private Schools in Dubai: Governed by KHDA, which may adopt MoE principles but with flexibility.
- KHDA Attendance Expectations
KHDA benchmarks schools by overall attendance rate, not by number of unexcused absences.Attendance RateRating98%Outstanding96%Very Good94%Good92%AcceptableBelow 92%Intervention RequiredEach school must have its own attendance and absence-tracking policy under KHDA oversight.
- ADEK and Other Emirates
In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) performs a similar function — regulating schools within its jurisdiction while referencing MoE standards.
In short, the MoE sets the national framework, but each emirate applies it through its own education authority.
Penalties
Contrary to many headlines, there is no new penalty circular targeting parents. The only legally enforceable penalties arise in extreme cases under Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema Law) — the UAE’s Child Rights Law.
Under this law:
- Deliberately depriving a child of education can constitute child neglect.
- Such cases can be referred to child protection authorities or prosecutors, but only when there is clear evidence of ongoing educational deprivation.
For ordinary absenteeism — such as family travel or illness — schools handle matters internally through warning letters, academic consequences, or parent meetings.
The goal is responsibility, not reprimand.
Reporting Concerns
If parents or schools encounter disputes over attendance or promotion decisions:
- For MoE-regulated schools, inquiries can be raised through the Ministry of Education portal.
- For KHDA schools, concerns can be reported via the KHDA website under Contact Us → Feedback.
- In serious cases involving child welfare or suspected neglect, reports may be made to the Child Protection Unit hotline 800111, established under the Wadeema Law.
How LYLAW Can Help
Navigating UAE education regulations can be confusing, especially when policies vary between federal and emirate authorities.
LYLAW, a top law firm in Dubai led by Ludmila Yamalova, provides expert legal guidance on UAE education laws, parent-school disputes, and child protection matters. The firm’s long-standing experience across civil, family, and administrative law enables clients to understand their rights and obligations clearly.
