A moderate but noticeable rise in student absences on Fridays and just before long weekends is drawing concern among private schools across the United Arab Emirates, prompting both government intervention and school-level strategies to address the trend.
The issue recently reached the floor of the Federal National Council, where members warned that repeated absences could undermine academic progress and weaken important social values instilled through daily classroom participation.
During the latest session, member Moza Al Shehhi questioned the Ministry of Education about what she described as “mass absences” ahead of holidays, urging stronger measures to prevent learning disruptions.
Education Minister Sarah Al Amiri told lawmakers the ministry had already introduced targeted initiatives, noting what she called a “qualitative shift” in attendance during the first term of the current academic year.
While authorities highlight policy improvements, school leaders say the causes are often practical rather than disciplinary. Many families plan overseas travel or short breaks during extended weekends, especially during peak seasons, leading to missed school days.
At GEMS Al Barsha National School, Principal and CEO Michelle Thomas acknowledged that attendance dips are visible but not widespread.
She said absences tend to cluster around Fridays and days before public holidays, particularly when travel demand is high. However, she stressed that most families still prioritise consistent attendance.
Rather than imposing penalties, the school has adopted what Thomas described as a proactive, relationship-driven approach. The goal is to make students want to attend rather than feel forced.
“We focus on engaging, purposeful learning experiences, particularly on Fridays,” she explained, noting enrichment activities, leadership opportunities, and wellbeing programmes designed to keep students motivated through the end of the week.
Communication with parents plays a central role. Regular newsletters, meetings and reminders reinforce the link between attendance, academic progress and character development, framing education as a shared responsibility.
Elsewhere, structure and early intervention are key tools. Woodlem Education, which operates schools in Dubai and Ajman, has implemented systematic attendance reviews.
Founder and Managing Director Noufal Ahmed said weekly monitoring helps identify recurring absenteeism before it becomes a pattern.
Parents are contacted directly through calls and meetings to emphasise the impact of missed days on academic continuity. Ahmed said early dialogue often prevents further absences.
The group has also introduced positive incentives. Students with perfect or outstanding attendance receive certificates, recognition during assemblies and term-end awards, reinforcing commitment rather than punishment.
“By combining monitoring, parent partnership and positive reinforcement, we aim to build a culture that values responsibility,” Ahmed said.
At JSS Private School, Principal Chitra Sharma highlighted that the consequences of frequent absences extend beyond unfinished assignments.
She explained that consistent attendance allows teachers to maintain lesson sequencing and pacing, ensuring students fully grasp concepts through guided practice, collaboration and ongoing assessments.
“When students miss days, it becomes difficult to replicate those experiences through catch-up work alone,” Sharma said.
Beyond academics, she noted the social cost. Regular school presence fosters teamwork, communication, leadership and a sense of belonging that cannot be replicated remotely.
Educators warn that even a few missed days scattered throughout the term can accumulate into significant learning gaps, affecting both individual students and overall classroom rhythm.
With ministry reforms underway and schools intensifying engagement efforts, the message to families is becoming clearer: attendance is about more than ticking a register.
It is about discipline, habits and shared responsibility — foundations that shape not only grades but lifelong values beyond the school gates.