The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has permanently closed a training centre in the UAE after discovering a series of serious violations, including running an unlicensed nursery and promoting unaccredited educational programmes. Authorities said the facility operated illegally, putting students and young children at risk.

The crackdown followed thorough inspections that revealed multiple offences, from operating without proper educational licences to employing unqualified staff. The centre also failed to meet safety standards, according to the Ministry.

“This action underscores our zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed educational operators,” the Ministry said in a statement. “Parents and students must verify an institution’s legitimacy before enrolling to protect themselves and their children.”

Illegal Operations Uncovered

Investigators found that the centre:

• Operated without mandatory licences
• Ran unaccredited courses with no official recognition
• Maintained an unlicensed nursery
• Employed unqualified teachers and trainers
• Violated basic safety regulations

Legal Action Taken

The Ministry has permanently shut the centre, referred its administrators to the Public Prosecution, imposed financial penalties, and blocked its online platforms to prevent further enrolment. Social media accounts promoting the centre’s fake programmes have also been flagged.

A Warning to Parents

Authorities emphasised that unlicensed operators often use professional-looking websites, social media ads, or fabricated reviews to appear legitimate. Parents are urged to check official licences, programme accreditation, and staff qualifications before paying fees or signing contracts.

Red flags include unusually low fees, pressure to enrol immediately, vague answers about accreditation, and absence of a verifiable physical campus.

How to Verify Institutions

• Ministry Website: Check the database of licensed institutions and accredited programmes.
• Customer Happiness Centre: Call 800511 to confirm licence status, programme recognition, and any complaints.

Enrolling in unlicensed institutions can result in invalid certificates, wasted fees, and career setbacks, the Ministry said.

“Legitimate institutions welcome verification. If an operator hesitates or provides vague responses, it’s a major red flag,” the statement added.

Parents and students are reminded: take two minutes to verify licences before enrolling. It could save years of wasted time and thousands of dirhams.

Public and private schools across the UAE that follow the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum have confirmed the mid-term break dates for the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, in line with the ministry’s approved academic calendar.

According to circulars issued to parents and staff, the mid-term break for students will take place from Monday, October 13, to Friday, October 17, with classes resuming on Monday, October 20, across all schools and grade levels.

For teachers and administrative staff, the ministry has introduced a new structure this year. From October 13–15, educators will participate in professional development programmes, followed by their mid-term break from October 16–19.

Focus on balance and performance

The Ministry of Education said the updated schedule is designed to balance academic rigour with sufficient rest, helping students perform better and ensuring that the school year remains smooth and productive.

In a statement, the ministry emphasised that the structured timetable aims to maintain educational quality, teacher development, and student well-being, all within a consistent national framework.

Schools have encouraged parents to make good use of the mid-term break by supporting children’s learning through light revision, reading, or enrichment activities that reinforce classroom lessons.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing a clear and stable academic structure that prioritises students’ interests and enhances the overall quality of education in the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has rolled out an updated Student Behaviour Policy, introducing a clearer framework for managing student misconduct while prioritising positive reinforcement, fairness, and wellbeing across Abu Dhabi’s schools.

The revised policy, which schools are now required to adopt, defines four levels of student offences and outlines 11 permitted disciplinary actions, while also banning 10 forms of punishment that could harm a student’s wellbeing.

ADEK said the update aims to help schools understand and address the causes behind negative behaviour before imposing any disciplinary measures, focusing on support, guidance, and accountability.

Focus on positive behaviour and prevention

Under the new framework, schools are expected to promote a culture of respect and responsibility and respond to incidents with constructive, consistent interventions.

The policy introduces an anti-bullying component for all schools and encourages staff to resolve issues through dialogue, parental involvement, and emotional or academic support before taking disciplinary action.

Four levels of misconduct

The revised policy classifies 40 types of violations into four levels:

• Level 1 (Minor offences): Tardiness, not wearing proper uniform, incomplete homework, or misuse of digital devices.
• Level 2 (Moderate offences): Skipping school activities, verbal altercations, or minor property damage.
• Level 3 (Major offences): Bullying, cheating, forgery, vandalism, or physical assault.
• Level 4 (Severe offences): Possession of weapons, cybercrimes, substance abuse, or arson.

11 permitted disciplinary measures

Schools may take 11 types of corrective actions, ranging from verbal and written warnings to temporary classroom removal, community service, or suspension for serious misconduct.

Permanent expulsion, however, can only occur under strict guidelines and with official approval from ADEK.

All disciplinary measures must be age-appropriate, proportionate, and corrective rather than punitive.

10 prohibited punishments

ADEK has banned physical and psychological punishment, as well as any form of public humiliation or harmful discipline.

Other prohibited actions include withholding food or water, isolating students, deducting grades as punishment, or disclosing personal information without consent.

Building a culture of respect

ADEK emphasised that schools play a vital role in shaping character and promoting respect in line with the UAE’s cultural and social values. Teachers will be trained to implement the policy and encouraged to reward positive behaviour.

Students, in turn, are expected to respect school rules, engage in extracurricular activities, and contribute positively to their communities.

The updated policy ensures that disciplinary actions across Abu Dhabi schools are fair, transparent, and consistent, focusing on guidance, prevention, and personal growth rather than punishment.