12 February 2026 | Dubai, UAE [Posted at 8:31 pm]
Concerns about long school journeys have sparked action at the highest levels. The issue of UAE school bus trips duration was recently discussed at the Federal National Council (FNC), leading to clear limits aimed at protecting students’ well-being across the country.
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FNC Raises Concerns Over Long Bus Journeys
Overview: Lawmakers highlighted complaints from parents about children spending excessive time on school buses, sometimes more than two hours daily.
During a recent FNC session, member Naama Abdullah Al Sharhan raised concerns that some students were spending over two hours commuting. Parents reported fatigue, reduced focus in class, and overall stress linked to the extended UAE school bus trips duration.
The discussion reflects growing attention on student welfare and the quality of education services in the UAE. Long commutes not only impact academic performance but also affect students’ mental and physical health.
New Official Limits Announced by the Ministry
Overview: The Ministry of Education has now set clear maximum journey times for school transport across the UAE.
In response to the concerns, Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri confirmed updated caps on school bus trips duration:
- 45 minutes maximum for kindergarten students
- 60 minutes maximum for all other pupils
These new limits are designed to reduce daily fatigue and ensure students arrive at school refreshed and ready to learn. The Ministry also clarified that no official data shows any route exceeding two hours.
This move reinforces the government’s commitment to regulating school bus trip durations and maintaining high standards in the education system.
Significant Improvements in Journey Times
Overview: Authorities report major progress in reducing travel time and improving compliance.
Before reviewing the numbers, it’s important to understand the scale of progress achieved. The Ministry shared encouraging data regarding UAE school bus trips duration compliance:
- 98.5% compliance rate during the first academic term
- 50% reduction in average journey times compared to previous years
These figures suggest a structured and data-driven effort to optimise routes and improve transport efficiency. The sharp reduction in average UAE school bus trips duration demonstrates that reforms are already delivering measurable results.
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Why Delays Still Happen Occasionally
Overview: While limits are in place, certain external factors may still cause temporary delays.
The Minister acknowledged that exceptions can occur due to circumstances beyond the Ministry’s direct control.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Traffic accidents
- Adverse weather conditions
- Road closures or diversions
- Late student registrations by parents
Late registrations, in particular, can disrupt route planning and affect the overall UAE school bus trips duration. When new students are added after routes are finalised, logistics must be adjusted, which can temporarily increase travel time.
Monitoring and Quality Control Measures
Overview: A dedicated unit now oversees transport quality to address concerns quickly.
To ensure continued compliance with school bus trip duration standards, the Ministry has taken additional steps. Before listing the measures, it’s important to note that transport monitoring is now part of a structured organisational framework.
- Regular route reviews
- Daily operational monitoring
- A dedicated transport quality unit
- Complaint handling and follow-ups
These measures aim to maintain consistency and further improve UAE school bus trips duration across all Emirates.
Why This Matters for Parents in the UAE
For families, shorter and regulated UAE school bus trips duration means:
- Less daily fatigue for children
- Improved concentration in class
- Better work-life balance for students
- Increased trust in the school transport system
With transport duration becoming a recurring topic in FNC discussions, it is clear that student welfare remains a national priority.
FAQs: UAE School Bus Trips Duration
1. What is the maximum UAE school bus trips duration allowed?
Kindergarten students are limited to 45 minutes, while other students can travel up to 60 minutes.
2. Were students really spending two hours on buses?
Complaints were raised, but the Ministry stated it has no official data showing routes exceeding two hours.
3. Why do delays sometimes happen?
Traffic accidents, bad weather, road issues, and late student registrations can temporarily affect travel times.
4. How is the Ministry monitoring school transport?
A dedicated transport quality unit reviews routes regularly and handles complaints related to UAE school bus trips duration.
5. Has the situation improved?
Yes. The Ministry reports 98.5% compliance and a 50% reduction in average journey times.
Conclusion
The latest reforms on UAE school bus trips duration mark a significant step towards enhancing student well-being in the UAE. With clear time caps, high compliance rates, and ongoing monitoring, authorities are actively addressing parents’ concerns.
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