UAE schools implement new mobile phone bans and transport rules

At the start of the 2026–27 academic year, schools in the United Arab Emirates have implemented new regulations regarding mobile device usage and transport safety.

A ministerial ruling now prohibits students from bringing mobile phones into schools. Under these rules, devices used for non-educational purposes may be confiscated for up to one month for a first violation, with longer periods possible for repeat offenses. Parents must be summoned to sign official forms regarding violations. The restrictions also extend to smartwatches and other wearable devices.

In addition to device restrictions, schools have introduced 11 mandatory safety rules for school transport. These include a one-minute maximum waiting time for buses at student homes to ensure route efficiency. New guidelines also require seat belt use throughout journeys, restrict student collection to authorized persons, and prohibit students from disembarking from a bus once they have boarded.