UAE Ministry Of Education Unveils New School Calendar For Academic Year 2025-2026

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in the UAE has introduced a new school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, applicable to both public and private schools. This calendar, approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, aims to unify term start and end dates across the nation. The initiative is part of the 'Year of Community' goals, promoting family cohesion and a balanced learning environment.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, stated that this calendar represents a significant change in managing the academic year. It aligns with national strategies to enhance educational quality and social connections. Al Amiri noted that consistent holiday dates will allow cultural and tourism sectors to synchronize their activities with school schedules, fostering stronger ties between education and society.

The academic year begins on 25th August 2025. The first term concludes with a four-week winter break from 8th December 2025 to 4th January 2026. Schools will resume on 5th January 2026. This extended break provides students an opportunity to rest and participate in community activities after a demanding term.

The second term spans from 5th January to 15th March 2026, followed by a spring break from 16th to 29th March. Classes resume on 30th March, except in Sharjah where they restart on 23rd March. The third term runs from 30th March to 3rd July, ending on 2nd July in Sharjah. This schedule ensures a balanced academic year conducive to learning and student well-being.

Mid-term breaks are now included for schools following the government curriculum. These breaks aim to reduce academic stress by providing regular pauses throughout the year. The first mid-term break occurs from 13th to 19th October 2025 during the longest term. A second break is scheduled for 11th to 15th February 2026, offering students a chance to recharge mid-term.

Private School Flexibility

Private schools not following the government curriculum can plan mid-term breaks in October and February, limited to five consecutive days each. These breaks must remain within specified months without extension or shifting, ensuring alignment with national standards while accommodating operational needs.

The MoE mandates all schools adhere strictly to this calendar, including conducting final assessments or completing curriculum requirements in each term's last week. This ensures students attend until the final school day unless they are taking pre-scheduled international exams.

The Ministry also highlighted that private schools using the government’s curriculum must follow the centralised test calendar used by public schools. This ensures consistency across educational institutions nationwide while maintaining high standards of education delivery.

The introduction of this unified school calendar marks an important step towards achieving educational goals set for the 'Year of Community'. By aligning academic schedules with societal needs, it supports both educational excellence and social cohesion within the UAE community.

With inputs from WAM