The UAE Ministry of Education has announced a new structure for the academic calendar starting from 2025–2026, setting unified dates for the start of the academic year, end of the three terms, and term breaks for all public and private schools nationwide.
The new calendar structure has been approved by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council (EHCD) and aims to standardize the educational schedule across the UAE while accommodating the operational needs of different school systems.
Key Calendar Highlights
- Academic year starts: August 25, 2025
- Academic year ends: July 3, 2026 (July 2 for private schools in Sharjah)
- Winter break: Four weeks from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Spring break: Two weeks from March 16 to 29, 2026
- Three mid-term breaks scheduled throughout the year
- Special provisions for private schools not following the government curriculum
Academic Year Overview
The 2025-2026 academic year will follow a three-term structure, with clearly defined start and end dates for each term. The calendar has been designed to provide consistent educational periods while incorporating appropriate breaks for students and staff.
First Term
Start: August 25, 2025
End: December 7, 2025
Followed by winter break
Second Term
Start: January 5, 2026
End: March 15, 2026
Followed by spring break
Third Term
Start: March 30, 2026*
End: July 3, 2026**
*March 23 for Sharjah private schools
**July 2 for Sharjah private schools
The academic year spans a total of approximately 180 instructional days, aligning with international educational standards while accommodating local and religious holidays.
Term Dates and Breaks
The new calendar includes extended breaks between terms to provide adequate rest periods for students and staff. These breaks are strategically scheduled to align with major holidays and to divide the academic year into balanced learning periods.
| Break Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration | Schools Resume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Break | December 8, 2025 | January 4, 2026 | 4 weeks | January 5, 2026 |
| Spring Break | March 16, 2026 | March 29, 2026 | 2 weeks | March 30, 2026* |
| Summer Break | July 4, 2026** | TBA | TBA | TBA (2026-2027) |
*Private schools in Sharjah resume on March 23, 2026
**July 3, 2026 for private schools in Sharjah
“The new calendar structure aims to provide consistency across all educational institutions while allowing flexibility where needed. This standardization will help families with children in different schools to better plan their schedules.”
— UAE Ministry of Education
Mid-Term Breaks
In addition to the main term breaks, the calendar includes three mid-term breaks throughout the academic year for public schools and private schools that implement the government curriculum:
First Term Mid-Break
Second Term Mid-Break
Third Term Mid-Break
Aligns with Eid Al Adha holiday
These mid-term breaks provide shorter rest periods throughout each term, helping to maintain student and teacher wellbeing while ensuring continuous educational progress.
Guidelines for Private Schools
While the calendar applies to all schools nationwide, the Ministry has provided some flexibility for private schools that do not follow the government’s curriculum:
Special Provisions
- Mid-term Break Scheduling: Private schools not following the government curriculum may schedule their mid-term breaks in October and February, with each break not exceeding five consecutive days.
- Timing Restrictions: These breaks must remain within the specified months and cannot be extended or shifted to different periods.
- Sharjah Private Schools: Private schools in Sharjah have a slightly different schedule for the third term, resuming on March 23, 2026 after spring break and ending the academic year on July 2, 2026.
- Curriculum Alignment: Private schools following the government’s curriculum must adhere to the centralized test calendar used in public schools.
These provisions aim to balance the need for standardization with the operational requirements of different educational systems operating within the UAE.
Assessment Requirements
The Ministry has emphasized that all schools must follow the approved calendar, including specific requirements for assessments and curriculum completion:
Final Assessments
Schools must hold final assessments or complete curriculum requirements in the last week of each term. This ensures that students attend until the last school day and that the full academic program is delivered.
International Exams Exception
The Ministry has made an exception for grades taking pre-scheduled international exams, recognizing that these may follow different timelines based on international examination boards.
These requirements aim to maintain educational standards and ensure that students receive the full benefit of the academic year, while accommodating necessary exceptions for international examination schedules.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Academic Year Start | August 25, 2025 |
| First Mid-Term Break | October 13-19, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026 |
| Second Term Start | January 5, 2026 |
| Second Mid-Term Break | February 11-15, 2026 |
| Spring Break | March 16-29, 2026 |
| Third Term Start | March 30, 2026 (March 23 for Sharjah private schools) |
| Third Mid-Term Break | May 25-31, 2026 |
| Academic Year End | July 3, 2026 (July 2 for Sharjah private schools) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calendar apply to all schools in the UAE?
Yes, the calendar applies to all public and private schools nationwide. However, private schools that do not follow the government curriculum have some flexibility in scheduling their mid-term breaks, though these must still fall within the specified months and cannot exceed five consecutive days.
Why are there different dates for private schools in Sharjah?
Private schools in Sharjah follow a slightly different schedule for the third term, resuming on March 23, 2026 after spring break (one week earlier than other schools) and ending the academic year on July 2, 2026. This variation accommodates specific educational requirements and planning needs in the emirate of Sharjah.
How does the third mid-term break align with Eid Al Adha?
The third mid-term break (May 25-31, 2026) has been scheduled to coincide with the expected dates for Eid Al Adha in 2026. This alignment allows families to observe the religious holiday without disrupting the educational calendar. The exact dates of Eid Al Adha will be confirmed closer to the time based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
What happens if a school doesn’t follow the approved calendar?
All schools are required to follow the approved calendar as announced by the Ministry of Education. Non-compliance could result in regulatory action. Schools with specific operational needs should consult with the Ministry for guidance rather than making independent changes to the calendar. The Ministry has emphasized that the standardized calendar is designed to ensure consistency across the education sector.
How does this calendar compare to previous academic years?
The 2025-2026 calendar maintains the three-term structure used in previous years but introduces more standardization across different school types. The winter break has been extended to four weeks, providing a longer rest period between the first and second terms. The calendar also formalizes the mid-term breaks, ensuring consistent short breaks throughout the academic year for student and teacher wellbeing.