UAE announces unified school calendar for 2025–2026

The UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced a new unified school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year, approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.

The calendar applies to all public and private schools nationwide, setting standardised dates for term starts, end of the three terms and end-of-term holidays.

It aims to enhance family cohesion, promote student well-being and align with the goals of the ‘Year of Community.’

The new academic year officially begins on August 25, 2025, with the first term concluding with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026, with classes resuming on January 5.

The second term runs until March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29, with the third term running from March 30 to July 3. Schools in Sharjah will reopen on March 23 for the third term and wrap up on July 2.

To ease academic pressure, the calendar also introduces three mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government’s curriculum:

• October 13 to 19, 2025
• February 11 to 15, 2026
• May 25 to 31, 2026, aligning with Eid Al Adha

Private schools not following the national curriculum may schedule mid-term breaks in October and February, but each must not exceed five consecutive days and must remain within the designated months.

The Ministry has emphasized that schools must adhere to the calendar, including conducting assessments through the final week of each term. Exceptions apply only to students sitting for international exams.

The goal, officials say, is a more balanced and connected academic experience that supports both educational excellence and community well-being.

Following the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council’s approval . . Ministry of Education unveils new school calendar for Academic Year 2025-2026 pic.twitter.com/ThsSydSokk

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) July 23, 2025