UAE confirms school calendar for next three years

The UAE's Ministry of Education has approved the academic calendar for the next three years, covering 2026 to 2029, for public and private schools.

The move is aimed at strengthening stability across the education system and allowing students, parents and educators to plan well in advance.

The Ministry says the three-year framework balances instructional time with quality learning outcomes, while taking educational and social considerations into account.

• For the 2026–2027 academic year, classes will begin on August 31, 2026, with the school year ending on July 2, 2027.
  • The mid-term break is scheduled from October 12 to 18, 2026, while the winter break will run from December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027, and the spring break from April 5 to 11, 2027.
• The 2027–2028 academic year will start on August 30, 2027 and conclude on June 30, 2028.
  • The mid-term break will be held from October 11 to 17, 2027, while the winter break is scheduled from December 13, 2027 to January 2, 2028, and the spring break from March 27 to April 2, 2028.
• The 2028–2029 academic year will commence on August 28, 2028, with the final school day set for June 29, 2029.
  • The mid-term break will take place from October 16 to 22, 2028, the winter break will run from December 11, 2028 to January 1, 2029, and the spring break is set for March 26 to April 1, 2029.

Schools are required to adhere to the approved mid-term break, although local education authorities may allow private schools not following the Ministry’s curriculum to split this break between October and February, provided it does not exceed five school days and aligns with operational needs.

This exception does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which follow the emirate’s own regulatory framework.

All schools must comply fully with the calendar and ensure students attend through the final week of term, during which assessments or curriculum requirements will be completed.

The calendar does not apply to private schools following the Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula.

The Ministry says the three-year outlook will enhance readiness, improve resource planning, and further support schools as key pillars in preparing future generations.
 

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/4Cr94b16C1

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) February 23, 2026