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In a major development aimed at enhancing educational consistency and family well-being, the UAE Ministry of Education has announced a unified academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year. The updated calendar sets fixed term dates, holidays, and breaks for all public and private schools that follow the national curriculum.

Here are the key highlights of the new schedule:

Academic year dates finalized

• Classes will commence on August 25, 2025

• The academic year is scheduled to finish on July 3, 2026

Private schools located in Sharjah will wrap up their school year slightly earlier, on July 2, 2026

The calendar ensures uniformity across the country, reducing confusion for families and enabling better planning for both educators and parents.

Three-term structure with long winter break

The school year will be divided into three terms, offering a structured balance of learning and rest:

• The first academic term will commence on August 25 and end on December 7, 2025

• A four-week winter holiday will follow, from December 8, 2025, with classes resuming on January 5, 2026

• The second term is set to run from January 5 to March 15, 2026

• Spring vacation will run from March 16 to 29, 2026

- while private schools in Sharjah will reopen earlier, on March 23

• The third and final term starts on March 30 and concludes on July 3, 2026

- while Sharjah’s private schools will finish one day earlier on July 2

The extended winter break is intended to help students recharge and enjoy quality time with family.

Mid-term breaks for improved balance

To support student well-being and reduce academic pressure, the calendar introduces three official mid-term breaks for schools following the government curriculum:

• The first mid-term break is planned from October 13 to 19, 2025

• The second mid-term break will take place from February 11 to 15, 2026

• The third mid-term break is set for May 25 to 31, 2026

• This coincides with Eid Al Adha holidays

These breaks offer time to relax, reflect, and reconnect with family, aligning with the UAE’s broader goal of social cohesion and community development.

Flexibility for international curriculum schools

Private schools offering international curricula may include two mid-term breaks scheduled during:

• October

• February

However, these must not exceed five consecutive days and cannot be moved beyond the specified months. This allows schools to remain adaptable while aligning with the country’s overall educational objectives.

Strict adherence required

The Ministry of Education has made it clear that all schools must comply with the approved calendar:

• Final assessments and curriculum completion must take place in the last week of each term

• Attendance is expected until the final day of school

• Students sitting for pre-scheduled international examinations are the only ones exempt from this requirement

• Private schools operating under the national curriculum must align their assessment schedules with the centralized testing calendar followed by public schools.

Supporting the 'Year of Community' initiative

This move aligns with the country’s 'Year of Community' vision, aiming to enhance family life, community involvement, and educational quality. By synchronizing school schedules nationwide, the Ministry hopes to foster better coordination among schools and reduce the stress of varied calendars for families with children in different institutions.

The unified calendar marks a transformative step in the UAE’s educational journey, promising a more balanced, organized, and family-friendly academic experience across the country.