UAE public schools to count student absences as ‘double’ until November 19

Dubai: As the final exams of the first semester approach, scheduled to begin on November 20, public schools across the United Arab Emirates are preparing for the end-of-term assessments for the 2025–2026 academic year.

In line with the Ministry of Education’s attendance and absence guidelines, public school administrations will begin enforcing a policy that counts student absences between November 10 and 19 as double. Under this rule, one unexcused absence will be recorded as two days, which may affect a student’s eligibility to meet academic success requirements.

Parents informed of new absence policy

Schools have circulated official notices to parents outlining the decision to apply the “double absence” rule during the critical pre-exam period, which involves intensive revision sessions and focused lessons on key curriculum topics.

Administrations emphasized in their communications that the policy is derived from the Ministry’s procedural manual, which underscores the importance of full attendance in the weeks leading up to exams—an essential factor in ensuring students’ academic readiness, focus, and confidence.

Schools warned that missing classes during this period could cause students to lose access to vital explanations or final reviews that are crucial for exam performance. Absences will only be excused in cases of verified illness or emergencies, supported by official medical certificates. Schools also urged parents to promptly submit documentation to validate any absence.

They further highlighted that daily attendance is a shared responsibility between parents and schools, particularly as the exam period draws near—a time that carries significant weight in students’ academic evaluations.

Revision period and student preparation

Between November 10 and 19, schools will dedicate classroom time to comprehensive revision sessions, addressing challenging topics, solving past exam papers, and familiarizing students with expected question formats.

Administrations reaffirmed that consistent attendance during this time is crucial to maintaining students’ academic momentum, noting that unjustified absences could result in knowledge gaps that are difficult to recover from before exams.

They expressed confidence that the new policy would enhance school discipline and reduce absenteeism, which typically sees a slight uptick before examinations. Daily participation, they noted, allows students to consolidate key concepts and improve overall readiness.

Parents’ role in supporting students

School leaders stressed the importance of parental cooperation during this phase, encouraging families to reinforce students’ routines by maintaining consistent sleep schedules, study habits, and punctual attendance. They underscored that attendance during the review period is not optional but a fundamental educational requirement, and that commitment remains the key to student success.

Administrations added that these measures reflect schools’ dedication to improving educational quality and ensuring students receive the full support they need to achieve results that match their abilities and ambitions.

Previously, schools applied the “double absence” rule only on Fridays to address unjustified absences before or after weekends. However, this semester, the policy has been extended to all school days leading up to exams to promote academic discipline and preparedness.

According to a Ministry circular, the centralized first-semester exams will take place from November 20 to December 4, 2025. In celebration of the UAE National Day, students will sit exams until November 27, followed by a six-day break (including the weekend) before resuming assessments on December 4.

School administrations also noted that this period includes a series of academic and enrichment initiatives aimed at enhancing student performance and learning skills, such as:

      •     “Together for Progress” Initiative

      •     “Success” Initiative

      •     “Digital Empowerment” Initiative