Abu Dhabi’s education authority has implemented stricter attendance policies for the 2025-26 school year, setting new limits on all types of absences.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) mandates that kindergarten students missing over 10% of school days will be noted, while for Grades 1-12, exceeding 5% of the academic year raises concerns.
With the Student Administrative Affairs Policy active for 2025-26, parents must adhere to these attendance guidelines.
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The revised rules emphasize tracking student absences and place greater responsibility on parents to ensure compliance.
Missing classes can quickly accumulate, even for legitimate reasons. Here’s what you need to know if your child studies in Abu Dhabi.
1. What is attendance?
Attendance refers to being physically present in class or at school. It’s calculated as the percentage of attended school days against the total school days per the official calendar.
2. What is absence rate?
The absence rate is the percentage of days missed against school days in the official calendar. If a student joins mid-year, it’s calculated from their start date.
3. What is the 5% and 10% rule?
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Kindergarten: Missing more than 10% of the year (18 days) is flagged.
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Grades 1-12: Missing over 5% of the year (9 days) is concerning.
This applies to both excused and unexcused absences.
4. What counts as an excused absence?
Valid reasons include:
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Illness
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Emergency medical appointments
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Bereavement for immediate family (1st or 2nd degree)
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Official duties or events
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Public holidays or government closures
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ADEK-approved study/exam leave
5. Medical absences: know the limits
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Parents can provide written sick notes for up to 3 consecutive days (max 12 days per year).
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From the 4th sick day, a DOH medical certificate is required.
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For chronic illnesses exceeding 12 days, official DOH medical reports must be submitted.
6. No free pass on schoolwork
Even excused absences require students to catch up on missed lessons, homework, and tests.
7. Parent responsibility
You must:
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Notify the school of any absence.
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Submit documentation (medical notes, official letters, etc.).
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Without documentation, the absence is marked as unexcused.
8. Unexcused absences to avoid
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Family vacations during term
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Staying home without notifying the school
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Non-emergency medical appointments
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Skipping school due to minor weather
9. Lateness adds up too
Schools track repeated tardiness and may act if it becomes habitual.
ADEK states, “Attendance is crucial for your child’s future success. Being punctual and present fosters responsibility, protects learning, and helps your child thrive.”
