The United Arab Emirates adopts a three-year academic calendar covering 2026 to 2029 for public and private schools/Photo: File
It is now clear to parents, pupils and school leaders across the UAE in advance. The Ministry of Education has approved the academic calendar for the next three school years, covering 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029, setting fixed start dates, term periods, and final school days for both public and private schools.The move aims to bring greater stability to the education system and allow families and teachers to plan ahead of time. According to the Ministry, the evaluation supports a sustainable structure that balances teaching time with good learning outcomes, taking into account educational and social considerations.
Academic year 2026-2027
The academic year will begin on August 31, 2026.
- Mid-semester break: from October 12 to October 18, 2026
- Classes will resume on October 19, 2026
- Winter break: from December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Classes will resume on January 4, 2027
- Spring Break: April 5 to April 11, 2027
- Classes will resume on April 12, 2027
- Final academic day: July 2, 2027
Academic year 2027-2028
Classes will begin on August 30, 2027.
- Mid-semester break: from October 11 to October 17, 2027
- Classes will resume on October 18, 2027
- Winter break: from December 13, 2027 to January 2, 2028
- Classes will resume on January 3, 2028
- Spring break: from March 27 to April 2, 2028
- Classes will resume on April 3, 2028
- Final academic day: June 30, 2028
Academic year 2028-2029
The academic year will begin on August 28, 2028.
- Mid-semester break: from October 16 to October 22, 2028
- Classes will resume on October 23, 2028
- Winter break: from December 11, 2028 to January 1, 2029
- Classes will resume on January 2, 2029
- Spring break: from March 26 to April 1, 2029
- Classes will resume on April 2, 2029
- Final academic day: June 29, 2029
Compliance rules and curricular exceptions
The Ministry stressed the need for all schools to observe the specified mid-semester holiday. However, local education authorities may allow private schools that do not follow the Ministry’s curriculum to split the October mid-term break between October and February. This division must not exceed five school days and must comply with operational requirements.This flexibility does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which operate within the emirate’s specific regulatory framework.
The calendar does not apply to private schools that follow the Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani curricula.All schools must adhere fully to the approved dates. To ensure students attend until the last day of each semester, schools must conduct final assessments or complete curriculum requirements during the last week. The only exception is for year groups sitting pre-scheduled international examinations.
Long-term planning and sector stability
The ministry said that establishing a three-year academic framework enhances readiness in the education sector. It supports better resource allocation, early program planning and smoother operational management.By publishing dates until mid-2029, the ministry aims to promote stability while positioning schools as central institutions in preparing future generations.
