TL;DR
- Unified school calendar for 2025–2026 announced
- Applies to all public and private schools across UAE
- Academic year runs 25 Aug 2025 – 3 July 2026 (2 July for Sharjah private schools)
- Includes three mid-term breaks + four-week winter break for improved balance and well-being
With just weeks to go before the start of the new school year, the UAE has introduced a significant change that will reshape how schools across the country plan their academic schedules. A newly approved unified calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year will take effect for all public and private schools nationwide. The move, approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, marks a key step in aligning the academic year across the country to better support students, families, and the broader community.
A Calendar Designed for Balance and Unity
The new academic calendar introduces fixed, unified dates for the start and end of the school year, term breaks, and holidays for every school in the UAE. This standardization is not just about convenience; it reflects a broader vision aligned with the country’s ‘Year of Community’ initiative. By coordinating school schedules, the MoE aims to create an environment where students can thrive academically while also enjoying quality time with their families and participating in community life. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasized that this shift represents a “qualitative change” in managing the school year. She noted that the calendar now acts as a strategic national tool, enhancing educational quality and fostering social cohesion. Additionally, by aligning school holidays with community, cultural, and tourism activities, the calendar helps build stronger connections between education and society at large.
Key Dates and Breaks for the Academic Year 2025-2026
The academic year officially begins on August 25, 2025. The calendar is structured around three terms, each thoughtfully spaced with breaks to ensure students have time to rest and engage with national events:
- First Term: August 25 to December 7, 2025
Followed by a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Schools reopen on January 5, 2026. This extended break offers students the opportunity to recharge after an intensive term and participate in community activities. - Second Term: January 5 to March 15, 2026
Followed by a spring break from March 16 to March 29, 2026. Schools resume on March 30, 2026, with the exception of private schools in Sharjah, which return earlier on March 23, 2026. - Third Term: March 30 to July 3, 2026
In Sharjah, this term concludes one day earlier, on July 2, 2026.
This schedule is designed to balance academic rigor with student well-being, providing structured time for rest and family engagement throughout the year.
Introducing Mid-Term Breaks to Reduce Academic Pressure
A notable addition to the calendar is the introduction of mid-term breaks for both public and private schools following the government curriculum. These shorter breaks are strategically placed to help students manage academic pressure and maintain mental and physical wellness:
- First Mid-Term Break: October 13 to 19, 2025
- Second Mid-Term Break: February 11 to 15, 2026
- Third Mid-Term Break: May 25 to 31, 2026 (aligned with Eid Al Adha holiday)
These mid-term pauses encourage students to recharge and spend quality time with their families, supporting the overall aim of a balanced and healthy academic experience. For private schools that do not follow the government curriculum, the MoE has allowed flexibility to schedule mid-term breaks within October and February. Each break must not exceed five consecutive days and cannot be shifted beyond these months. This ensures schools can meet operational needs while staying aligned with the national calendar.
Ensuring Consistency and Compliance
To maintain the integrity of the academic year, the MoE mandates that all schools strictly follow the approved calendar. This includes conducting final assessments and completing curriculum requirements during the final week of each term, ensuring students remain engaged until the last day of school. The only exception applies to grades involved in pre-scheduled international examinations. Moreover, private schools adhering to the government curriculum must align with the centralised testing calendar used by public schools, reinforcing a cohesive national approach to education standards.
FAQs:
Q. What are the official start and end dates of the academic year? The school year begins on 25 August 2025 and ends on 3 July 2026, except in Sharjah, where it ends on 2 July 2026.Q. Who does the unified calendar apply to? It applies to all public and private schools in the UAE, regardless of curriculum.Q. What are the main changes introduced in the calendar? Standardised term dates, a four-week winter break, and three new mid-term breaks across the year.Q. Are there exceptions or flexibility for some schools? Private schools not following the government curriculum may schedule October and February breaks (up to five days), but within strict limits to stay aligned with the national calendar.
