The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has issued a firm directive prohibiting private schools from barring students from taking exams due to outstanding tuition payments. To ensure students' educational rights are protected, the regulator has mandated a strict recovery protocol. Before taking any action, schools must send three formal written warnings to parents, with each notice spaced at least a week apart. While schools are permitted to suspend a student’s registration for up to three days per term, this measure is strictly limited, and under no circumstances can it be used to prevent a child from sitting for their assessments.

While exams remain protected, ADEK has outlined alternative legal avenues for schools to recover debt. Institutions may withhold official report cards, exam certificates, and transfer documents until balances are cleared. Furthermore, schools can deny re-enrollment for the following academic year, provided they have notified families in writing at least three months in advance. These policies, which became mandatory for all private schools at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, are part of a broader push by ADEK to foster a transparent and inclusive education sector that balances financial accountability with the UAE’s long-term vision for student well-being and academic excellence.