UAE Schools: New Rules for Conduct, Safety, and Assessment

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Overview of New Regulations in UAE Schools

The UAE’s Ministry of Education and local education authorities have introduced a range of new regulations effective in the 2025–2026 academic year. These aim to enhance safety, student well-being, and educational standards across public and private schools.

1. Discipline & Behavior: 12 Strict Rules for Students and Parents

A recent circular issued by schools detailed 12 prohibited behaviors:

For Students:

• Skipping classes without valid excuse.

• Smoking or possessing prohibited substances on campus.

• Verbal or physical assault against teachers or peers.

• Damaging school property.

• Forging official documents.

• Theft.

• Wearing improper or non-regulation uniform.

• Bringing mobile phones to school.
  Violations may lead to disciplinary actions and, in serious cases, involvement of law enforcement. 

For Parents/Drivers at School Zones:

• Stopping vehicles in inappropriate or unsafe locations.

• Allowing children to exit vehicles in unsafe areas.

• Blocking emergency exits or accessible parking spaces.

• Driving against traffic flow.

• Excessive honking.

• Failing to yield when exiting.

• Ignoring school bus stop signs.
  Schools will log these violations and may refer offenders to authorities. 

2. Traffic Safety & Penalties in School Zones (Dubai)

Dubai Police, collaborating with the Ministry of Interior, reaffirmed strict traffic rules with associated fines:

• Speeding (30‑40 km/h allowed): Fines range from AED 300 to AED 3,000; speeds exceeding limits by more than 60 km/h could result in vehicle impoundment and license suspension.

• Failing to stop behind a school bus with STOP sign: AED 1,000 fine + 10 black points.

• Using mobile phone while driving: AED 800 fine.

• Failing to yield to pedestrians: AED 500 fine. 

Additionally, drivers who pledge to avoid violations on the first school day (e.g., 25 August 2025) can have 4 black points automatically deducted from their record by mid-September. 

3. Schoolbag Weight Limits (Abu Dhabi)

ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) introduced new health-centered requirements:

• Maximum schoolbag weight should not exceed 10% of the child's body weight.

• Weight limits by grade:

  • Kindergarten–Grade 2: up to 2 kg

  • Grades 3–5: 3–4.5 kg

  • Grades 6–8: up to 8 kg

  • Grades 9–12: up to 10 kg

• Bags must not include wheels or metal handles.

• Maximum dimensions:

  • Kindergarten: 40 × 30 cm

  • Grades 1–12: 50 × 30 cm
    Non‑compliance by 1 February 2026 exposes schools to legal accountability and ADEK-imposed penalties. 

4. Assessment Reform: Continuous Evaluation & AI Curriculum

No More Second-Term Exams:

The Ministry of Education will eliminate centralized second-semester exams across all grades, transitioning to a continuous assessment model to improve learning outcomes and reduce academic stress.

AI Curriculum Introduction:

A new AI subject will be introduced as a core discipline in state schools, targeting children as young as four years old. The curriculum includes up to 20 hours/year and covers:

• Ethical AI usage

• Writing AI prompts

• Evaluating AI-generated content critically.
  This is part of a broader strategy to nurture critical thinking and prepare students for future job markets. 

5. New Curriculum Expectations for Private Schools

From the 2025–2026 academic year, all private schools must adhere to mandatory guidelines from the Ministry concerning Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies, including:

• Curriculum standards aligned with international benchmarks.

• Assessment and reporting frameworks.

• Strict audits and compliance checks.
  These changes safeguard educational quality and ensure alignment with UAE values. 

6. Behavioral Code & Conduct Evaluation

The Student Code of Conduct (applies to Grades 3–12) operates like a graded subject:

• Students begin each semester with 80 points for positive conduct and up to 20 points for exemplary behavior.

• A minimum of 60% conduct score is required to pass.

• Violations result in point deductions; students may restore lost points by demonstrating improved behavior.
  Importantly, corporal punishment, meal restriction, humiliation, or denying restroom access are strictly prohibited.

7. Child Protection & Safeguarding Policies

ADEK’s Student Protection Policy reinforces the school’s role in safeguarding children:

• Schools must appoint a Child Protection Coordinator (CPC).

• All school staff are mandated reporters for suspected maltreatment (physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect).

• Policy is enforced under relevant federal laws (e.g., Wadeema Law, Child Rights, Crimes & Penalties Law).
  Non-compliance carries legal accountability and administrative penalties based on ADEK’s regulations and relevant federal laws. 

8. Licensing & Penalties for Private Schools

Under Federal Decree‑Law No. 18 of 2020, private schools must comply with strict licensing, curriculum, safety, and conduct standards. Violations can result in:

• Written warnings

• Fines up to AED 1,000,000 per case

• Temporary suspension (up to 1 academic year)

• Permanent closure
  More serious violations may trigger immediate closure; repeated infractions can also lead to fines or legal action, including imprisonment (up to 1 year) and fines between AED 10,000 and AED 1,000,000. 

Summary Table of Regulations & Penalties

Final Thoughts

The latest regulations reflect the UAE’s commitment to creating safer, more supportive, and forward-thinking educational environments. By emphasizing continuous assessment, early exposure to AI, strict safety protocols, and values alignment, the UAE is moving toward a modern, balanced education system.