News

Abu Dhabi to introduce mandatory parent-school contracts in new academic year

Published

11 months ago

April 14, 2025

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Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will require all private schools in the emirate to implement an annual Parent-School Contract, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. This new requirement aims to establish clear expectations and mutual responsibilities between schools and parents, ensuring a more collaborative approach to student well-being and academic success.

Clear Expectations and Mutual Accountability

The Parent-School Contract will be mandatory for all parents before student enrolment or re-enrolment and must be signed each year. Schools that fail to comply with this regulation face legal consequences and potential penalties.

One of the central features of the contract is that parents must formally acknowledge and accept a wide range of school policies. These include expectations around student behavior, adherence to school values, responsible digital conduct, and cultural sensitivity. ADEK’s goal with this initiative is to ensure that all parties are aligned in their commitment to a positive and transparent educational experience.

Monitoring students’ progress

As part of the new policy, schools will be required to use multiple platforms — including emails, SMS, apps, and printed letters — to keep parents informed about their children’s progress. In emergencies, a group notification system must be in place to deliver urgent updates promptly, ensuring that parents are always kept in the loop.

In addition to these measures, schools are encouraged to engage parents in discussions around healthy nutrition and provide regular updates on student performance. Schools will also be required to facilitate direct communication with support staff, including counselors, inclusion assistants, and social workers, to address any academic or personal concerns a student may face.

Parent Code of Conduct: Upholding Values and Integrity

As part of the contract, parents will be expected to commit to a Code of Conduct that reflects the ethical and cultural values promoted by ADEK. Among the key expectations outlined in the contract are:

Respect for the School’s Mission and Environment: Parents must engage with the school community in a professional and respectful manner, treating all members—including staff, students, security, and maintenance workers—with dignity.
Support for Student Behavior Standards: Parents are expected to ensure that their children adhere to the school’s rules and discipline standards.
Social Media Responsibility: The contract includes a provision that parents should avoid posting defamatory or culturally inappropriate content about school-related matters on social media.
Academic Integrity: Parents must support their children’s academic efforts, supervise homework, and provide honest documentation and communication with the school.
Engagement in School Activities: Parents are expected to attend parent-teacher meetings, cooperate with the school’s recommendations, and support additional learning interventions when necessary.

Failure to meet these expectations could result in restricted access to school premises, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship between families and schools.

Schools’ Responsibilities: Transparency and Support

Schools will also have specific obligations. These include maintaining open and respectful communication with parents, sharing curriculum details and assessment strategies, and encouraging active parental involvement in both academic and extracurricular activities.

Schools will be required to organise at least one parent-teacher meeting per term to ensure regular interaction between educators and families. They will also be expected to promote mental health awareness and digital well-being, fostering an environment that supports the holistic development of students. Additionally, schools must maintain fair, VAT-free fee structures and obtain parental consent before sharing student data with third parties.

A Step Towards Stronger Collaboration

The introduction of the Parent-School Contract marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s educational landscape, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and mutual responsibility. By outlining clear expectations for both parents and schools, ADEK aims to create an environment that supports the well-being and academic growth of students while fostering stronger partnerships between families and educational institutions.

Related Topics:abudhabi adek education learning newpolicy parentcontract parents Schools students

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Companies

UAE urges companies to adopt flexible working arrangements amid adverse weather conditions

Published

20 mins ago

March 24, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies across the UAE to reinforce workplace safety measures and take preventive steps to protect employees during expected adverse weather conditions.

In a statement, the ministry emphasised that worker health and safety remain a top priority, particularly at outdoor worksites where operations may be affected during severe weather.

Flexible or remote work arrangement

Companies have been advised to implement necessary precautions, including introducing remote or flexible working arrangements where required. Employers were also urged to ensure the availability of personal protective equipment, safe transportation, and suitable workplace conditions.

The ministry commended businesses for their ongoing efforts to maintain safe working environments and raise awareness among employees regarding safety protocols during emergency weather situations. It also confirmed continued coordination with relevant authorities to issue guidance and instructions aimed at safeguarding workers nationwide.

Additionally, MoHRE highlighted that awareness campaigns are being conducted in collaboration with government entities and the private sector to strengthen occupational health and safety standards. Enforcement measures, it added, remain in place to address any violations.

News

Sharjah announces remote work for government employees

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Authorities in Sharjah have announced remote work for government employees, effective immediately through Thursday, March 26, as part of ongoing safety measures.

The Sharjah Human Resources Department has authorised department heads, directors general, and managers across government entities to implement a “work from distance” system where necessary, ensuring business continuity while prioritising employee safety and flexibility.

Officials clarified that the directive does not apply to essential roles that require physical presence at workplaces.

The move aligns with broader precautionary measures across the United Arab Emirates, where authorities continue to adapt working arrangements amid unstable weather and regional developments.

Earlier, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation had advised private sector companies to adopt remote working wherever possible. Schools and universities across the UAE have also shifted to distance learning, with the measure recently extended to ensure student safety.

News

UAE weather update: Heavy rains, strong winds trigger safety guidelines and flight disruptions

Published

20 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Authorities across the UAE have stepped up safety measures as unstable weather continues to impact multiple regions, bringing rainfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued yellow and orange alerts across most parts of the country, warning of varying rainfall intensity and winds reaching up to 50 km/h. While sea conditions remain light to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman, residents have been strongly advised to avoid valleys, flood-prone areas, mountainous regions, and the sea.

Drive safely

Authorities are urging motorists to drive cautiously, reduce speed, and maintain safe distances due to slippery roads and poor visibility. Dubai Police confirmed full readiness to respond to emergencies and stressed the importance of following traffic laws and avoiding risky areas such as watercourses and valleys.

Emergency contact numbers have been shared by officials in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ensuring residents can quickly seek assistance when needed. For emergencies, the public can contact 999, while non-emergency cases can be reported via 901.

Flight disruptions

Meanwhile, major airlines including Emirates, flidubai and Air Arabia have issued travel advisories. Passengers are urged to allow extra travel time to airports, check flight status regularly, and stay updated on potential delays or schedule changes. Air Arabia noted that operations in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah may be affected. Passengers have been urged to check their flight status ahead of departing for the airport.

Residents urged to remain indoors

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority also reassured the public that emergency alert systems remain active, clarifying that warning sounds should not be confused with weather-related disturbances.

Residents have been urged to remain indoors during severe weather and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, stressing that precautionary behaviour is essential to prevent injuries and accidents during sudden weather changes.

The ministry also advised residents to protect vehicles and outdoor property by covering them where possible.

Weather conditions are expected to persist through the week, with authorities emphasising the importance of staying informed through official channels and avoiding unnecessary travel.