New rules from ADEK mean big changes to how students arrive and leave private schools
If you’re a parent in Abu Dhabi, here’s something you’ll want to know before the next school run: major new rules are now in place about how kids can get to and from school, and they’re not optional.
Last week, the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) told private schools across the capital to tighten up supervision and student transport protocols.
The biggest change? Students under 15 are no longer allowed to travel to or from school without an adult.
That includes walking, taking a taxi, jumping in a private car, or using ride-hailing apps, if there’s no adult with them, it’s a no-go.
Under the updated rules, schools must now provide supervision up to 45 minutes before school starts and 90 minutes after the day ends.
If a student shows up outside those hours without prior notice, schools aren’t responsible, and they’re not required to supervise.
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To make sure kids are always released to the right person, schools are required to follow a formal handover process. That means:
Only authorised adults can pick up children
Last-minute changes? Parents need to send written notice in advance
Security will be checking IDs at the gate and keeping detailed records
No exceptions – even for nearby kids
Some parents had hoped that children living close to school might be exempt. No luck, ADEK says the rules apply to everyone, no matter how short the walk.
Older students in Cycle Three (Grades 9–12) are still allowed to travel independently, but only with signed permission from parents
Even then, schools aren’t on the hook once those students leave campus via non-school transport like scooters or bikes.
Schools are also required to keep security guards at all entrances 24/7, with logs of every visitor and clearly defined procedures in case of unauthorised access or incidents.
And yes, if any school is caught ignoring the rules, ADEK says it can and will step in, with potential legal or administrative consequences.
Parents are encouraged to update their pick-up and drop-off routines immediately. With these changes now active, being unprepared could mean your child won’t be allowed to leave school at all.
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