Schools across the UAE will now face strict penalties for failing to protect students from bullying and neglect, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million (Rs. 76.65 million), possible jail terms for staff, and even school closures in severe cases.
The new regulations, covering both public and private institutions, aim to ensure safe and supportive learning environments. They build on the National Child Protection Policy and include official hotlines and emergency numbers for reporting abuse or negligence.
Legal consultant Motez Fanous noted that the UAE has established a “comprehensive legal framework” against physical, psychological, and sexual abuse of students, citing federal laws such as Decree Law No. 18 of 2020 on private education, Wadeema’s Law, and updated student conduct rules.
Penalties range from warnings and fines starting at Dh10,000 to Dh1 million, alongside potential prison sentences of up to one year. Fanous stressed that accountability extends to principals, teachers, and staff who engage in corporal punishment, humiliation, or neglect.
Psychologist Dr. Samer Al Khateeb said the policy focuses on children’s long-term well-being, urging schools to adopt preventive measures like teacher training and stronger reporting systems.
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