UAE full school hours begin: What parents must know about Friday attendance and absence rules

Dubai: Schools began implementing full school hours today, Friday, for all students in various educational levels, following the end of the gradual return period for students that began last Monday and continued until Thursday. Schools have circulated attendance regulations to parents and students, confirming that a student's absence on Friday is counted as two days' absence, according to the Ministry of Education's policy. They called on families to strengthen their children's commitment to attendance, and ensure that they are not absent except when necessary, in order to maintain regularity and the continuity of their learning experience since the beginning of the school year. In messages addressed to parents, school administrations stressed that attendance on Fridays is subject to monitoring and follow-up. They urged families to encourage their children to attend school regularly and not to treat the short school day as an extension of the weekend, especially since absence on that day results in two days being counted as absences in the student's record. They explained that if a student is absent with an acceptable excuse, the parent must send the excuse and supporting documents to the teacher in charge of the class, to ensure that the case is documented and the absence record is updated, according to the approved procedures, in order to preserve the student’s right and prevent the absence from being recorded as unjustified. The schools confirmed that the attendance and behaviour policy has been in effect since the first day of student attendance, corresponding to August 31, 2026, and that attendance and absence monitoring and follow-up processes are ongoing, which enhances discipline and reduces absences from the first weeks of school. They called for no leniency in attending on Fridays, noting that early attendance is essential for the stability of the educational process. It ensures that students benefit from the scheduled classes and programs, and prevents them from accumulating educational losses or exceeding the approved limits of absence. The messages stressed that family cooperation with the school represents a fundamental partnership in the success of students, and contributes to establishing a culture of commitment and responsibility. It provides a safe, attractive and stimulating school environment for learning, which enhances students’ sense of happiness and belonging, and raises their motivation to attend daily and actively participate in the educational process.