Abu Dhabi announces stricter rules for student drop-off and pick-up at private schools

Parents in Abu Dhabi were notified last week of significant changes to how pupils can arrive at and depart private schools, following the emirate's education administration implementing new legislation aimed at strengthening child protection and transportation safety. The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), which governs private education in Abu Dhabi, has instructed schools to send supervisors to monitor children for up to 45 minutes before the start of the school day and up to 90 minutes after it finishes. 

The change is part of a series of steps designed to coincide with ADEK's student transportation and safety regulations.

Schools highlighted the most major change in communications issued to parents: children under the age of 15 are no longer permitted to come or leave school without an adult companion. 

ADEK has introduced stringent new rules to tighten student safety, rejecting exemptions for children living near schools who previously walked alone, stressing that “children’s safety is the ultimate priority.” Only cycle three students (grades 9–12) may travel independently, and only with signed parental consent, while schools bear no responsibility once they leave via non-school transport. Institutions must establish strict handover processes, release students only to authorized adults, record communications, verify IDs, and circulate collector names to staff. Round-the-clock security guards are required at all entry points to log visitors and manage intrusions, supported by formal protocols against unauthorized access. School supervision is restricted to 45 minutes before and 90 minutes after classes, excluding students outside those windows. Parents of older students must sign waivers acknowledging risks of using scooters or bicycles. ADEK warned non-compliance could trigger legal or administrative penalties under UAE law.