Blog · Schools
The UAE's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes. Students may not bring mobile phones to UAE public schools, or to private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum, under Ministerial Resolution No. 851 of 2018. The Ministry ordered strict enforcement in 2025.
The legal basis is Ministerial Resolution No. 851 of 2018 on student behaviour management in public education institutions, which treats bringing or using a phone at school as a violation. It applies to public schools and to private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum. Private schools on other curricula could choose whether to apply it. In Abu Dhabi, smartwatches are also barred.
The rule dates from 2018, but enforcement became strict in 2025. In February 2025 public and Ministry-curriculum schools began enforcing the ban. On 27 August 2025, ahead of the 2025-26 school year, the Ministry sent a circular to principals setting out inspection and confiscation procedures, and warning that schools failing to enforce it would face administrative accountability.
A first offence means the phone is confiscated for one month, and a repeat means it is held until the end of the academic year. Parents are told immediately and sign official forms on confiscation and return. Schools run regular inspection campaigns, but inspectors may not touch students; students show their belongings. Images of staff or students can lead to referral to child protection.
Whatever Resolution 851 and your regulator require, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so the school does not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to the UAE, and can print the school's name or crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you already have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ban apply to private schools?
It applies to public schools and private schools following the Ministry curriculum. Private schools on other curricula were reported in 2025 as able to decide for themselves.
What happens if a student brings a phone?
The phone is confiscated for one month on a first offence and until the end of the academic year on a repeat, with parents notified.
Are smartwatches included?
Abu Dhabi schools have barred smartwatches as well as phones. Check your own regulator's guidance for other emirates.
Related reading
School phone bans by country · Phone-free schools toolkit · How to roll out phone pouches in a school
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
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