The UAE Ministry of Education has unveiled a new unified academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year, applying to all government and private schools following the national curriculum.
Private schools with other curricula can schedule two mid-term breaks in October and February. Key updates include longer winter and spring breaks, adjusted term dates, and a slightly later school end date.
Quick Summary
UAE Academic Calendar 2025-2026
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Start Date
August 25, 2025 (vs. August 26, 2024)
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Winter Break
4 weeks (Dec 8, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026) – up from 3 weeks
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Spring Break
2 weeks (Mar 16–29, 2026) – reduced from 3 weeks (Sharjah private schools get 1 week)
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School Year Ends
July 3, 2026 (vs. June 30, 2025)
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Private Schools
Allowed two 5-day mid-term breaks (October & February)
Detailed Breakdown of UAE’s New Academic Calendar
Key Changes Compared to 2024-2025
The updated calendar introduces several adjustments to term lengths and holiday durations
1. Start of the School Year
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2025-2026: August 25, 2025
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2024-2025: August 26, 2024
2. Winter Break Extended by One Week
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2025-2026: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (4 weeks)
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2024-2025: December 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (3 weeks)
3. Spring Break Shortened
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Public & MoE-Aligned Private Schools: March 16–29, 2026 (2 weeks)
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Sharjah Private Schools: March 6–22, 2026 (1 week)
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Previous Year (2024-2025): March 24 – April 3 (3 weeks)
4. School Year Ends Slightly Later
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2025-2026: July 3, 2026
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2024-2025: June 30, 2025
Flexibility for Private Schools
Private schools following non-MoE curricula can schedule
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Two mid-term breaks (up to 5 days each) in October & February
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Breaks cannot be extended or rescheduled outside these months
Official Statement from the Ministry of Education
The MoE emphasized that the new calendar ensures national alignment while allowing flexibility for private institutions. A spokesperson stated
“The updated structure balances academic requirements with student well-being, offering structured breaks while maintaining educational continuity.”
FAQs
1. Do all private schools follow the same breaks?
No, only MoE-aligned private schools follow the unified calendar. Others can set two mid-term breaks in October & February.
2. Why was the winter break extended?
The MoE likely adjusted for better family time and travel flexibility during peak holiday seasons.
3. When will the next academic calendar be announced?
Updates typically come mid-year, but major changes are unlikely before 2026-2027.
What’s Next
Schools will soon release detailed schedules. Parents and students should check with their institutions for exact term dates.
Wrapping Up
The UAE‘s new academic calendar for 2025-2026 introduces well-balanced changes, offering longer winter breaks and structured terms while maintaining flexibility for private schools.
These updates aim to enhance learning continuity and student well-being. Stay informed through official school announcements as the new academic year approaches.
