Abu Dhabi, September 22, 2025: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced stricter attendance regulations for the 2025–26 school year, aiming to ensure students are present and engaged in learning. The updated policy emphasizes monitoring absences and reinforces parents’ responsibilities in maintaining consistent school attendance.
Under the new rules, kindergarten students who miss more than 10 per cent of school days (approximately 18 days) will be flagged, while Grades 1–12 students exceeding 5 per cent absences (around 9 days) will be considered at risk. This applies to both excused and unexcused absences, highlighting the importance of attending school regularly.
Excused absences include illness, emergency medical appointments, bereavement (1st or 2nd degree relatives), official duties, competitions or events, public holidays, and ADEK-approved study or exam leave. Parents may submit written sick notes for up to 3 consecutive days, but from the 4th day onward, a Department of Health (DOH) medical certificate is required. Chronic illnesses exceeding 12 days must also be supported by official DOH documentation.
Even excused absences require students to catch up on missed lessons, homework, and tests, ensuring continuity in learning. Parents are responsible for notifying the school of absences and submitting proper documentation; failure to do so results in the absence being marked as unexcused.
Unexcused absences to avoid include family vacations during term time, staying home without notification, non-emergency medical visits, and skipping school for minor weather concerns. Additionally, repeated lateness is monitored, and schools may take corrective action if tardiness becomes a pattern.
ADEK underscores the importance of attendance, stating, “Attendance is the foundation of your child’s future success. Being on time and present builds responsibility, protects learning, and ensures your child thrives.” The updated rules are part of the Student Administrative Affairs Policy and are now fully effective for the 2025–26 academic year.
