Is physical punishment of students illegal in UAE schools, and what can parents do if their child is hit by a teacher?

Yes. Physical force used to punish a student can lead to criminal prosecution under UAE law. In a recent Abu Dhabi case, a teacher was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered deported after CCTV footage showed him hitting four students. Schools can also face regulatory penalties, including fines of up to Dh1 million, suspension or permanent closure. Parents who discover such an incident can file a complaint with the police or Public Prosecution, report it to ADEK and pursue civil compensation. They should also obtain a medical report from a government hospital. Experts advise parents to remain calm, listen to the child without blame and reassure them that they are not at fault.

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