UAE Education Ministry Recognizes Eight Legitimate Reasons for Student's Non-Attendance
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Education has approved eight categories of valid student absences. These categories include certified illness, chronic medical conditions, accompanying relatives for medical treatment, participation in national duties or official events, bereavement, emergencies, exceptional personal circumstances, and cases involving students of determination.
When students find themselves unable to attend school due to these reasons, they are obliged to complete compensatory assignments to maintain the integrity of the educational process. Accepted excuses for absences include certified medical reasons, bereavement within the family, justified travel, emergencies such as natural disasters, and force majeure circumstances preventing students from reaching school.
Absences for accompanying relatives undergoing treatment abroad are allowed, with the absence not exceeding one week per academic year. In cases of bereavement, students are entitled to leave following the death of a first- or second-degree relative.
Exceptional personal situations require review by specialized committees for excused absence. Students of determination and those with chronic illnesses are provided individualized support plans, including psychological and educational assistance.
For handling unexcused absences, a written warning is issued after one day, a first official warning after three days, a second warning after six days, a third warning after ten days, and cases may be escalated after fifteen days. Guardians are responsible for updating their contact details, submitting official absence justifications, and ensuring their children's attendance.
Students in the UAE who exceed five unexcused absences per semester or 15 days in an academic year are subject to escalating disciplinary action, which may lead to expulsion from the formal education system.
Schools may deduct marks from conduct grades for repeated unexcused absences. Parents have the right to file an appeal within five working days of being notified of their child's absence.
The Ministry of Education in the UAE also requires schools to provide access to learning materials and personalized academic support plans for absent students. Absences due to participation in national duties or official events will be accepted, provided they are substantiated with official documentation.
It is essential for guardians to ensure their children's regular attendance and update their contact details to facilitate communication in case of any emergencies or absences. By understanding the rules and exceptions for student absences in the UAE, guardians can better support their children's educational journey.
