Here’s your complete academic roadmap for the upcoming school year in the UAE
The UAE Ministry of Education has released the official academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year.
Covering both public and private institutions, the calendar is designed to provide consistency and structure, while giving schools some flexibility based on curriculum needs.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what to expect for the next academic year across schools and higher education institutions.
For Schools: What You Need to Know
Start and End Dates
Academic year begins: August 25, 2025
Academic year ends: July 3, 2026
(Sharjah schools end one day earlier, on July 2)
Winter Holidays
Break begins: December 8, 2025
Students return: January 5, 2026
Note: This year’s winter break is extended to four weeks, up from the usual three.
Spring Break
March 16–29, 2026
Sharjah private schools return earlier, on March 23
Term Breaks for Government Schools
Mid-term holidays are built into each trimester:
Term 1 Break: October 13–19, 2025
Term 2 Break: February 11–15, 2026
Term 3 Break: May 25–31, 2026 (coincides with Eid Al Adha)
Classes resume after each break on the following day.
International Curriculum Schools
Term 1 ends: December 5, 2025
Term 2: January 5 – March 15, 2026
Term 3: March 30 – July 3, 2026 (July 2 in Sharjah)
Schools following international syllabi must align broadly with these national dates while adhering to the minimum 182 instructional days required annually.
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What’s New?
Longer Winter Break: The Ministry has extended the winter holidays to four weeks, giving students a longer recovery period after Term 1.
Unified Calendar: All schools are expected to follow the approved timeline, helping families and staff coordinate across emirates.
Final Week Assessments: Schools must hold exams or complete learning activities during the last week of every term to ensure full attendance.
Note: Exceptions are allowed for grades sitting international exams.
For Universities: Updated 2025–2026 Academic Calendar
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has also rolled out a revised academic schedule for all higher education institutions (HEIs), aligning with national goals for well-being and family engagement.
Key Dates for Universities
Academic year runs: August 25, 2025 – July 3, 2026
Applies to all public and private HEIs, unless following foreign academic systems.
Holiday Schedule for Universities
Winter Break: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Spring Break: March 16–29, 2026
Resumption Dates: January 5 and March 30, respectively
Universities may shift these dates by up to one week, as long as break durations stay the same.
Flexibility for Higher Education
Institutions can tailor start dates for certain programs or specialisations
Holiday shifts of one week are permitted
Summer semester dates may affect final term end-dates
This updated structure supports the ‘Year of Community’ initiative, encouraging a balanced rhythm of learning and rest, and ensuring a smooth experience across the education system.
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