New UAE academic calendar sets term and holiday schedule through 2029
Exceptions outlined for selected international curriculum schools
DUBAI – The Ministry of Education has approved a comprehensive academic calendar covering the next three school years, providing long-term clarity for students, parents and educators across the country.
The schedule applies to both public and private schools and is designed to strengthen system-wide stability. Officials said the move supports early planning while maintaining a balanced academic structure.
The ministry noted that the three-year framework aligns instructional time with quality learning outcomes and broader social considerations. Schools are expected to organise their academic activities in line with the approved dates.
The #Ministry_of_Education has announced the Academic Calendar for public and private schools for the next three years: 2026-2027, 2027-2028 and 2028-2029. pic.twitter.com/Uk2kyHhCwQ
— وزارة التربية والتعليم (@MOEUAEofficial) February 23, 2026
2026-2027
For the 2026-2027 academic year, classes will begin on 31 August 2026. The mid-term break is scheduled from 12 to 18 October 2026, with students returning on 19 October.
Winter break will run from 14 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with classes resuming on 4 January. Spring break is set from 5 to 11 April 2027, with studies restarting on 12 April. The final school day for the year will be 2 July 2027.
2027-2028
The following academic year will commence on 30 August 2027. Mid-term holidays will take place from 11 to 17 October 2027, with classes resuming on 18 October.
Winter break is scheduled from 13 December 2027 to 2 January 2028, with students returning on 3 January. Spring break will run from 27 March to 2 April 2028, with classes restarting on 3 April. The academic year will conclude on 30 June 2028.
2028-2029
For the 2028-2029 academic cycle, classes will start on 28 August 2028. The mid-term break will be observed from 16 to 22 October 2028, with studies resuming on 23 October.
Winter holidays will run from 11 December 2028 to 1 January 2029, followed by a return on 2 January. Spring break is scheduled from 26 March to 1 April 2029, with classes resuming on 2 April. The final school day will fall on 29 June 2029.
Key rules
The ministry stressed that all schools must adhere to the designated mid-term break. However, local education authorities may permit private schools that do not follow the ministry curriculum to split the October break between October and February, provided the total does not exceed five school days and operational requirements are met.
This flexibility does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which operate under the emirate’s specific regulatory framework.
Schools must also ensure student attendance continues until the final day of each term. Final assessments or curriculum completion activities are required during the last week of term. The only exception applies to year groups sitting pre-scheduled international examinations.
The ministry clarified that the three-year calendar does not apply to private schools following the Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani curricula. Officials added that the forward-looking schedule is intended to improve sector readiness, strengthen resource management and support early programme planning across the education landscape.