Abu Dhabi schools ordered to tighten visitor access and student pickup rules

The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has confirmed that all schools must implement specific visitor procedures. School principals have the right to deny or grant entry to visitors for a good reason. These procedures include five minimum requirements:

• Visitor must sign in at the school’s security gate.

• A valid EID card must be presented in exchange for a visitor access pass.

• The visitor’s access pass must be worn visibly at all times while on the school premises.

• Upon leaving, visitor must return the pass to the security gate and sign out.

• Visitors must remain under the supervision of a designated staff member during the visit unless he/she is authorized personnel.

• Visitors are not authorized to enter a classroom unless he/she has been invited to do so.

In the Schools Policy on Ensuring Care, which will be fully compliant with schools by February 1, 2026, ADEK clarified that the fifth requirement relates to allowing authorised personnel (such as government inspectors and compliance specialists) to enter all school buildings and access resources (such as school reports, records, keys/cards to closed areas, etc.), in accordance with the Federal Decree-Law No. (18) of 2020 regarding private education and its amendments. The school must also enable these personnel to monitor, follow up with, and interact with students and parents if necessary.

Before allowing visitors to enter the school or access its resources, the school must verify their identity and the purpose of their visit. The school must also ensure that the entry permit granted to the individual meets the requirements of their visit.

At granting access to school documents or records, the school principal must maintain a record of staff members’ data, the documents and records obtained, and the reason for granting the permit.

This record must be kept in accordance with the administrative record-keeping requirements set out in the ADEK’s school records policy.

ADEK further noted that schools must establish procedures for leaving school during school hours that are consistent with the methods authorised by parents, since students will be transferred from school supervision to home supervision.

This could include ensuring that students are only picked up from school by authorised individuals and informing the school in writing in advance of any individuals who do not have a permanent entry permit, but who will be picking up the student on a regular basis.

ID of the nominated person(s) must also be provided.

Emergency situations: In emergency situations or when plans change at short notice, parents must inform the school of the name of the person who will be picking up the student. The school must record this information and then send it to the security guards, teachers and supervisors responsible for the student. The school must verify the identity of the nominated person at the gate (based on proof of identity) when they arrive to collect the student and when they leave with them. If the person is part of the school community (e.g. a parent), they do not need to present proof of identity as it is already recorded in the school register.

ADEK clarified that every school must provide a confidential reporting mechanism to enable anyone to express concerns or report possible institutional malpractice. The privacy of the reporter must be protected, and they must not feel afraid to voice their concerns. Should their identity be revealed, the school must take the necessary measures to shield them from any negative repercussions, such as harassment, retaliation and stigmatisation. Similarly, the school must protect the privacy of the person who has been reported and shield them from negative consequences until the investigation procedures are completed.