As the new academic term begins, the UAE’s Ministry of Education and various local education authorities have rolled out updated school schedules and absence guidelines for public schools across the country.
These changes are part of a broader strategy to improve educational standards, promote student wellbeing, and enhance the overall efficiency of the learning environment.
For parents, staying informed about these updates is crucial to ensure compliance and help their children adapt smoothly. This comprehensive guide will cover everything parents need to know about the new school timings, absence regulations, and how these changes might affect daily routines, transportation, and academic performance.
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1. Why the Change in School Timetables?
The UAE government has been actively reforming the education sector in alignment with Vision 2031, aiming to create a world-class education system that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and student wellbeing. The revised school schedules are designed to:
- Balance academic rigor with mental health
- Increase productivity during school hours
- Accommodate climate conditions, especially during summer
- Align with international academic standards
Educational experts and parent associations were consulted before finalizing the schedules, ensuring a holistic approach to student learning and welfare.
2. New School Timings for Public Schools in UAE
General Timings (2025-2026 Academic Year)
The updated school schedule for public schools in the UAE is as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:15 AM to 1:45 PM
- Friday: 7:15 AM to 11:30 AM
- Weekends: Saturday and Sunday
These timings apply to most Kindergarten (KG), Primary, and Secondary public schools under the Ministry of Education. However, variations may exist based on emirate, school location, and grade level.
✅ Note: Schools in Abu Dhabi may follow slightly different timings under the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Always check with your child’s school directly.
Kindergarten and Special Education Schedules
- Kindergarten (KG1 & KG2): 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Monday to Thursday), 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM (Friday)
- Special Education Needs (SEN) students: Flexible timings as per individual education plans (IEPs)
Shorter hours for younger children aim to reduce fatigue and enhance focus during key learning hours.
3. Key Takeaways for Parents Regarding Timings
- Punctuality is critical: Schools will strictly monitor late arrivals.
- Transportation adjustments: Parents should coordinate with bus services to ensure timely pickup and drop-off.
- Extracurriculars: Most after-school activities are scheduled between 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM from Monday to Thursday.
4. New Absence and Attendance Guidelines
With updated schedules, the Ministry of Education has also revised absence and attendance regulations to ensure student accountability and reduce truancy.
Permissible Absences
A student may be marked excused in the following cases:
- Medical leave (with official documentation)
- Death of a close family member
- Pre-approved travel for educational purposes
- Court appearance or legal obligations
- Other emergency reasons accepted by school administration
🔍 Important: Supporting documents must be submitted within 3 working days of the student’s return.
Unexcused Absences
Absences without valid reasons will be marked unexcused, which can lead to:
- Parental warnings
- Academic penalties
- Report card remarks
- In severe or repeated cases, referral to social workers or educational counselors
Maximum Allowable Absences
| Grade Level | Unexcused Absence Limit (Per Term) |
|---|---|
| KG1 – Grade 4 | 10 days |
| Grade 5 – Grade 12 | 7 days |
If the limit is exceeded without proper justification, students may face academic repercussions, including deductions in participation grades or denial of final exams.
5. How Absence Impacts Student Performance
Several studies have shown a direct correlation between regular attendance and academic achievement. Schools are emphasizing this now more than ever.
- Missed lessons mean lost learning opportunities
- Absenteeism disrupts classroom flow
- Students who are frequently absent often struggle to catch up
Parents play a vital role in ensuring their child understands the importance of consistency and commitment in education.
6. What Parents Should Do: Actionable Tips
✅ 1. Adjust Household Routines
- Ensure children sleep early to wake up on time.
- Have school bags and uniforms ready the night before.
- Aim for a healthy breakfast to start the day positively.
✅ 2. Use Technology Wisely
Many schools use attendance tracking apps or parent portals (such as Al Manhal, Tamkeen, or Mawhibat). These tools:
- Notify you of late arrivals or absences
- Allow uploading of medical certificates
- Keep you informed of any policy changes
✅ 3. Plan Travel Carefully
Avoid scheduling family vacations during the school term. If unavoidable, apply for leave in advance and check for makeup work requirements.
7. Understanding Friday Timings and Religious Considerations
In 2022, the UAE transitioned to a Monday-to-Friday work week, aligning with global markets. Friday timings were adjusted to:
- Support family cohesion
- Respect religious observance of Jumu’ah (Friday prayers)
School ends early (by 11:30 AM) to ensure:
- Sufficient time for students and families to prepare for prayer
- Reduced traffic congestion near mosques
- Work-life balance
8. How These Changes Align with UAE Vision 2031
The changes are part of a broader effort to:
- Position the UAE among the top 10 countries globally in education
- Promote student happiness and well-being
- Encourage parental involvement
- Introduce flexible, tech-enabled education models
The Ministry of Education continues to monitor the implementation of these changes through school inspections, parental feedback, and academic outcomes.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the new school timings for UAE public schools?
Most UAE public schools now follow the updated weekly schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:15 AM – 1:45 PM
- Friday: 7:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Kindergarten and SEN (Special Education Needs) students may follow shorter or more flexible hours. Always confirm exact timings with your child’s school.
Are school hours the same across all emirates?
No, slight variations exist. For example, schools under ADEK (Abu Dhabi) or SHERAA (Sharjah) may implement different start or end times. It’s important to check with the school directly for emirate-specific schedules.
What counts as an excused absence?
Valid or excused absences include:
- Illness with a medical certificate
- Family bereavement
- Court appearances
- Educational travel (with prior approval)
- Emergency situations approved by the school
Parents must provide documentation within 3 working days of the student’s return.
What is the maximum number of unexcused absences allowed per term?
- KG to Grade 4: Up to 10 unexcused days per term
- Grade 5 to Grade 12: Up to 7 unexcused days per term
Exceeding this limit without valid justification may lead to disciplinary action, including academic penalties or social worker intervention.
What happens if my child is late to school?
Repeated late arrivals may be treated similarly to absences and can impact the student’s participation grade. Schools monitor tardiness and may issue warnings or notify parents if lateness becomes frequent.
Can parents request early dismissal for their children?
Early pickups are discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Parents must notify the school in advance and provide a valid reason. Frequent early dismissals without justification may be recorded as partial absences.
Are private school students affected by these changes?
No. Private schools in the UAE follow different curriculums and are governed by bodies like KHDA (Dubai) or ADEK (Abu Dhabi). Their schedules and absence rules may differ, so parents should refer to their specific school’s policy.
Conclusion
The UAE’s educational reforms are designed to empower students and families, not inconvenience them. With better scheduling, improved absence policies, and stronger parent-school communication, public schools are better equipped to deliver quality education.