Abu Dhabi private schools can suspend operations for up to 3 years after providing valid reasons

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has affirmed that private schools are permitted to temporarily suspend their operations for a period of at least one academic year and up to three academic years, provided they obtain approval from the department. ADEK clarified that schools opting for temporary closure (1-3 years) must adhere to the requirements outlined in the department’s licencing guide. Schools exceeding the maximum temporary suspension period of three academic years will have their licences automatically revoked by ADEK. In such cases, schools must reapply for a licence if they wish to resume operations.

Regarding permanent voluntary closure and licence revocation, schools have the right to cease operations permanently after submitting a request.

ADEK emphasised that schools seeking temporary or permanent closure must submit an application meeting four requirements: the reason for closure, the proposed closure date, arrangements to facilitate student transfers to other schools, and submission of the application at least six months before the end of the academic year. Additionally, schools must also notify relevant parties, employees, and parents within seven days of receiving ADEK’s approval.

ADEK outlined additional closure requirements including fulfilling all legal and contractual obligations toward employees, parents, students, and external parties, obtaining legal and financial clearances, paying all dues to employees in accordance with contract terms and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation requirements, refunding any unearned fees collected from parents, lifting transfer restrictions on the Student Data System (eSIS) and cancel work permits for school staff on the Private School Staff Data System (PASS) at least 20 working days before closure, submitting all student records and files to ADEK within 20 working days of closure and providing relevant student reports and transfer certificates to parents.

For permanent voluntary closure, schools must apply for licence revocation in line with this policy.

ADEK further explained that under the licencing policy, schools permitted to resume operations must reapply for a licence whose approval depends on the school meeting ADEK’s requirements.

In cases of forced closure and licence revocation, ADEK may require a school to cease operations in accordance with its policy, leading to licence cancellation.

The department affirmed that this policy came into effect at the start of the 2024/2025 academic year (first semester).