The sentencing of a private school teacher in Abu Dhabi to two years in prison and deportation from the UAE for assaulting four pupils has renewed attention on the country’s ban on corporal punishment in schools. Under UAE law, teachers who use violence against pupils may face criminal prosecution, while parents have the right to file complaints and seek compensation.

According to Khaleej Times on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the ruling was issued on October 13, raising questions about the legal responsibilities of teachers and schools and the options available to parents seeking to pursue complaints.

Teacher Sentenced to Two Years in Prison and Deportation from UAE

The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court sentenced a private school teacher to two years in prison for assaulting four students in a classroom and ordered his deportation from the UAE after he serves his sentence. He was also ordered to pay legal costs.

According to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the students’ injuries prevented them from carrying out their personal activities for up to 20 days.

The teacher admitted during the investigation and trial that he had assaulted the students but claimed he was trying to control disruption and noise in the classroom. CCTV footage also confirmed his violent and unjustified conduct.

The court ruled that his actions constituted a clear breach of the law and posed a threat to the students’ safety and well-being.

Penalties for Corporal Punishment Under UAE Law

Corporal punishment of students is prohibited in the UAE and may result in criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the injury.

Under Article 390 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, an assault that causes illness or prevents a person from carrying out personal activities for more than 20 days is punishable by imprisonment and a fine. Less serious injuries may also result in imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to AED 10,000.

Nikhat Sardar Khan, Head of Litigation at Hilal & Associates in Dubai, stressed that teachers have specific legal obligations because of their professional duty of care towards students.

She said Article 394 of the law also provides for harsher penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years, for certain injuries caused by negligence involving a breach of professional duties.

However, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has not disclosed the legal provision under which the teacher in this case was convicted.

Is the school also liable?

Under Article 20 of Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2020, private schools are required to ensure students’ safety on school premises, in school transport and during off-campus activities.

Under Article 28 of the same law, proven violations may result in penalties ranging from warnings and fines of up to AED 1 million per violation to the suspension of operations or permanent closure of the school.

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) oversees compliance with these regulations. Compensation may also be sought if the school is found to bear civil liability.

However, no reports have so far emerged of any fine being imposed on the school or compensation being awarded in the recent case.

What conduct is prohibited in Abu Dhabi schools?

Under the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge’s Student Behaviour Policy, corporal punishment is prohibited, even if it causes only minor physical pain or discomfort.

Insults, humiliation, verbal threats, confining students at school, denying access to water, food or toilets, collective punishment, reducing grades as a form of punishment and assigning additional punitive work are also prohibited.

Keeping students beyond official school hours without parental consent is also against the regulations.

However, the minimum proportionate physical force may be used only when necessary to prevent imminent danger or harm to others and must not be punitive.

Compliance with the policy became mandatory for Abu Dhabi private and partnership schools from the 2025–2026 academic year.

Psychological Impact of Corporal Punishment

Dr Amna Al Mesmari, a psychiatrist at Al Kalima Mental Health Centre in Abu Dhabi, warned that corporal punishment can cause not only physical harm but also fear, humiliation, anxiety, low self-esteem, declining academic performance and reluctance to attend school.

She added that even students who witness a classmate being physically assaulted may suffer psychological harm.

How Can Parents File a Complaint?

Experts advise parents to investigate if their child shows signs such as fear of a teacher, refusal to attend school, sleep disturbances or a sudden decline in grades.

In cases of physical assault, parents can file a criminal complaint with the police or public prosecution. In Abu Dhabi, they may also submit a separate complaint to the Department of Education and Knowledge.

If physical or psychological harm is proven and legal liability is established, compensation may also be sought through the courts.

Experts stress that parents should obtain a credible medical report as soon as possible, preferably from a government hospital, and retain school correspondence, photographs and witness details.

Parents are also advised to carefully review the terms of any agreement or withdrawal of a complaint before signing, as these may affect their legal rights.

The following numbers are available for reporting child abuse in the UAE:

  • 116111: Ministry of Interior Child Protection Centre
    • 80085: Ministry of Education Child Protection Unit

UAE law stipulates that classroom discipline must be maintained through educational and lawful methods, and that student misconduct never justifies corporal punishment.