Some schools have implemented incentives to motivate students to attend, including certificates, public recognition, and awards.
Private school principals have reported a moderate rise in student absences on Fridays and in the days before public holidays or long weekends.
The growing trend has reached the Federal National Council, prompting broader discussions among educators and parents across the UAE.
During a session last week, FNC member Moza Al Shehhi questioned the Ministry of Education about what she called “mass absences” before holidays, cautioning that the trend could undermine both academic standards and social values in schools.
Private school leaders in the UAE are observing a noticeable rise in student absences on Fridays and in the days leading up to public holidays or long weekends, prompting concern from educators and policymakers.
During a recent session, Moza Al Shehhi, a member of the Federal National Council, raised the issue of “mass absences” before holidays, warning that the trend could undermine both academic standards and social values. In response, Education Minister Sarah Al Amiri noted that the ministry had implemented targeted measures to address absenteeism, highlighting a “qualitative shift” in attendance during the first term of the current academic year.
Nuanced Issue
School leaders, however, point out that absenteeism is often tied to travel plans during peak holiday periods rather than lack of commitment. At GEMS Al Barsha National School, Principal and CEO Michelle Thomas acknowledged the pattern, noting it is visible but not universal.
“We have observed a moderate increase in student absences on Fridays and in the days leading up to public holidays or long weekends, particularly around peak travel periods,” she said. “This trend is not consistent across all year groups, and many of our families continue to prioritise attendance.”
Rather than taking a punitive approach, Thomas emphasizes a community-centred strategy, offering engaging learning experiences on Fridays, including enrichment, leadership, and wellbeing-focused activities. The school also communicates regularly with families about the importance of attendance and its impact on learning and character development.
Monitoring and Incentives
At Woodlem Education, Founder and Managing Director Noufal Ahmed highlighted the importance of structured monitoring and early intervention. Attendance patterns are tracked weekly to identify recurring absenteeism, and parents are actively engaged through calls, meetings, and official communication to reinforce the importance of regular attendance.
The group also uses positive reinforcement through a structured attendance award system, recognising students with perfect or outstanding attendance via certificates, public appreciation during assemblies, and term-end awards. Ahmed noted that combining monitoring, parental partnership, student support, and incentives helps cultivate a culture that values responsibility and commitment.
Academic and Social Impacts
Chitra Sharma, Principal of JSS Private School, emphasized that absences affect more than just missed lessons.
“Consistent attendance ensures uninterrupted instructional sequencing, allowing teachers to deliver lessons as planned and maintain appropriate pacing. Students benefit from structured explanations, guided practice, collaborative discussions, and formative assessments that cannot always be fully replicated through catch-up work.”
Sharma also highlighted the social benefits of regular attendance, including teamwork, communication skills, leadership opportunities, and a sense of belonging, all of which contribute to long-term success.
Attendance as a Shared Responsibility
For many families, long weekends mean overseas trips or short getaways. Educators and policymakers, however, stress that even a few missed days can disrupt classroom rhythm and weaken collective learning. With the ministry implementing reforms and schools strengthening engagement, communication, and positive reinforcement, the overarching message is clear: attendance is not merely about marking a register—it is about building habits, values, and a sense of belonging that extend beyond the school gates.
