The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a detailed framework of 42 administrative violations for private and partnership schools, with fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh150,000 for repeat offenses. Effective from the start of the current academic year, the penalties target lapses in school policies, particularly in physical education, sports, and career guidance. According to a schedule obtained by Al Khaleej newspaper, violations are considered repeated if they recur within one year, leading to escalated fines.
The largest category covers physical education and school sports, comprising 24 violations. Penalties include Dh15,000 for a first offense—such as failing to ensure daily student physical activity—rising to Dh50,000 for repeat breaches. More serious offenses, like not allocating at least 60 minutes weekly to PE or neglecting safety and hydration measures, can draw fines from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000. The highest penalty in this category—Dh100,000 to Dh150,000—applies to non-compliance with gender-specific requirements for sports and swimming under ADEK’s co-education policy.
Another 14 violations address career and university guidance policies. Minor breaches, such as not submitting annual data to ADEK, start at Dh5,000. More significant failures—like not appointing a full-time career counselor or failing to support senior students in post-secondary applications—carry fines between Dh15,000 and Dh100,000. The most severe penalty in this area, Dh100,000 to Dh150,000, applies to schools that do not implement a comprehensive guidance program as mandated.
These measures reinforce ADEK’s commitment to enforcing standards that promote student well-being, equitable opportunity, and academic readiness. By attaching substantial financial consequences to policy violations, the regulator aims to ensure that Abu Dhabi’s private schools consistently meet expectations for physical health, safety, and future-focused student support. Schools are expected to review the framework closely and align their operations accordingly to avoid penalties.
