Dubai schools tighten student rules on phones, uniforms and attendance for 2026-27

Attendance and conduct top the list. Schools said students must arrive before the morning assembly to avoid disrupting the start of the day. They also asked students to treat classmates, teachers and administrators with respect and courtesy. The rules apply inside classrooms, in shared facilities and across school grounds. Administrations describe them as part of the educational process, not just routine logistics.

Messaging also confirmed a strict ban on mobile phones, some tablets and cameras. Schools say the ban cuts distractions in lessons and protects the privacy of the school community. Parents are asked not to message children directly during school hours. Any communication should instead go through the school administration, keeping the school day free of outside interruptions.

Uniform rules are enforced from day one. Students must wear the uniform prescribed for their grade. PE kits are restricted to physical education days, rather than worn throughout the week. Individual schools also set their own rules on outer-clothing colours and general hygiene standards.

On food, schools are asking students to bring healthy meals. They have also banned soft drinks, energy drinks and chewing gum, a policy they say supports concentration and a healthier environment during the school day.

Departure procedures have tightened too. Students may not leave during school hours unless a guardian follows the approved sign-out procedure and presents the required documentation. Some schools have assigned specific exit gates by class or study group to reduce congestion at pick-up time.

Administrations say the detailed rules give families a clear picture of expectations from the first day. They stressed that keeping order in the classroom depends on both school and home following through, with parental responsibility extending beyond the school gate.