In the UAE, education is the right of every citizen. It is paid for by the government in public schools and institutions. The UAE Government issued Federal Law No. 11 of 1972 concerning Compulsory Education obligating the parent or the legal guardian to send their children to school.

New law in July 2012

Aiming to bring the compulsory school-leaving age more in line with that of the advanced countries, the UAE Cabinet approved a law in July 2012. This law makes it compulsory for children to start schooling at the age of six and remain in school until they complete Grade 12 or reach the age of 18, whichever occurs first. The law also obligates guardians of children to follow up on their children's commitment and continuity in education in line with the academic calendar set by Ministry of Education.

Continuation of the obligatory education stage

According to Article 14 of Ministerial Decree No. 820 of 2014 on Registration Terms for Students, the student's parent must write a personal commitment to the school stating that he is aware of the rules of the Obligatory Education Law and any other resolutions issued in this regard and that he undertakes to send his children to school during this 'Obligatory Education Stage'.