The UAE Ministry of Education has revealed the official academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year, introducing longer holidays and new mid-term breaks for students. The schedule, approved by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, will apply to public and private schools nationwide.
Key Dates for the Academic Year
The academic year begins on August 25, 2025, and will feature three terms with the following structure:
- First Term: Ends December 7, 2025
- Winter Break: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (four weeks)
- Second Term: January 5 – March 15, 2026
- Spring Break: March 16 – 29, 2026 (Sharjah private schools return March 23)
- Third Term: March 30 – July 3, 2026 (Sharjah schools end July 2)
The Ministry has also added three short mid-term breaks:
- October 13–19, 2025 – Early pause in Term 1
- February 11–15, 2026 – Mid-year recharge
- May 25–31, 2026 – Coincides with Eid Al Adha
Private schools not following the national curriculum can schedule similar breaks in October and February, but must stay within these months.
A Balanced Approach to Learning and Family Time
Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri said the new calendar is designed to strengthen family bonds while maintaining academic quality. She noted that fixed holiday dates will help tourism and cultural sectors align their programs with school schedules.
The Ministry emphasized that all schools must comply with the approved calendar, ensuring classes and assessments continue through the final day of each term. Schools under the national curriculum must also follow the centralized test schedule used in public institutions.
