The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the official academic calendar for 2025-2026, establishing unified dates for all public and private schools and universities across the country. The academic year will run from August 25, 2025, to July 3, 2026, with structured term breaks and extended holiday periods designed to enhance student wellbeing and family time.
This comprehensive calendar applies nationwide, though some flexibility exists for schools with specific curriculum requirements and international examination schedules.
When Does the UAE Academic Year 2025-2026 Begin and End?
The 2025-2026 academic year will commence on August 25, 2025, and conclude on July 3, 2026 for most schools across the UAE. However, schools in Sharjah will end slightly earlier on July 2, 2026.
This standardised schedule ensures consistency across all seven emirates while allowing adequate time for curriculum completion and final assessments. The Ministry requires all schools to complete a minimum of 182 instructional days, with most institutions exceeding this requirement.
Universities and higher education institutions will follow the same unified start and end dates, creating alignment between different educational levels throughout the country.
What Are the Term Dates and Holiday Periods for Schools?
The academic year is structured into three distinct terms with clearly defined break periods to provide students and educators with balanced learning and rest cycles.
First Term Schedule
Start Date: August 25, 2025
End Date: December 5, 2025
Winter Break: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (4 weeks)
Classes Resume: January 5, 2026
Second Term Schedule
Start Date: January 5, 2026
End Date: March 15, 2026
Spring Break: March 16 – March 29, 2026
Classes Resume: March 30, 2026 (March 23 for Sharjah private schools)
Third Term Schedule
Start Date: March 30, 2026
End Date: July 3, 2026 (July 2 in Sharjah)
The most significant change is the extended four-week winter break, increased from the previous three-week period to provide families with more time together during the holiday season.
What Mid-Term Breaks Apply to Government Curriculum Schools?
Schools following the UAE government curriculum will observe specific mid-term breaks designed to provide students with regular rest periods throughout each term.
Mid-Term Break Schedule
First Term Break: October 13-19, 2025
Schools resume: October 20, 2025
Second Term Break: February 11-15, 2026
Schools resume: February 16, 2026
Third Term Break: May 25-31, 2026
Schools resume: June 1, 2026
The third term break coincides with Eid Al Adha celebrations, demonstrating the calendar’s consideration for important religious observances in the UAE.
How Does the Calendar Accommodate Different School Curricula?
The Ministry recognises the diverse educational landscape in the UAE and has built flexibility into the calendar to accommodate various international curricula and examination schedules.
International Curriculum Schools
Schools following international curricula (British, American, IB, etc.) must adhere to the unified start and end dates but have flexibility with specific term arrangements to align with external examination requirements.
Indian Curriculum Schools
Indian curriculum schools typically operate on an April-to-March academic year but must now conform to the unified August-to-July schedule. However, they retain flexibility to:
- Adjust specific start dates for alignment with CBSE or CISCE examination schedules
- Modify holiday dates within the designated semester framework
- Maintain their educational standards while following the national timeline
Private School Modifications
Private schools following non-government curricula can schedule two mid-term breaks:
- One break in October (maximum 5 consecutive days)
- One break in February (maximum 5 consecutive days)
These breaks must remain within specified months and cannot be extended or shifted, ensuring alignment with the national framework.
What Changes Apply to Universities and Higher Education?
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has aligned university calendars with the school system for 2025-2026, creating a unified educational timeline across all levels.
University Academic Calendar
Academic Year Start: August 25, 2025
Academic Year End: July 3, 2026
Winter Break: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Spring Break: March 16 – March 29, 2026
University Flexibility Options
While maintaining unified start and end dates, universities have additional flexibility to:
- Shift holiday periods by up to one week earlier or later
- Adjust specific start dates for specialised programmes
- Modify end dates based on summer semester requirements
- Accommodate international university partnerships with different calendar systems
This flexibility ensures that higher education institutions can maintain their academic standards while participating in the unified national framework.
What Assessment and Attendance Requirements Must Schools Follow?
The Ministry has established strict guidelines for final assessments and student attendance to ensure educational quality throughout the academic year.
Final Assessment Requirements
All schools must conduct final assessments or complete curriculum objectives during the final week of each term. This requirement ensures students maintain full attendance until the last school day of each term.
Exception: Students taking pre-scheduled international examinations are exempt from this requirement, allowing for proper preparation for external assessments.
Attendance Compliance
Schools following the national curriculum must adhere to the centralised examination schedule used by public schools, ensuring consistency in assessment standards across the education system.
The Ministry emphasises that these requirements support student success while maintaining high educational standards throughout the UAE.
How Does This Calendar Support Family and Community Goals?
The 2025-2026 academic calendar aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’ objectives, promoting family unity and community engagement through strategic holiday scheduling.
Community Benefits
Extended Winter Break: The four-week winter holiday provides families with substantial time together during the festive season and allows participation in national celebrations.
Balanced Rest Periods: Regular mid-term breaks reduce student stress and prevent academic burnout while supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Cultural Alignment: Holiday periods accommodate important religious observances, including Eid Al Adha during the third term break.
Planning Opportunities: Early calendar release enables families to plan vacations, community activities, and educational enrichment programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all UAE schools follow the same calendar?
Yes, all public and private schools must follow the unified calendar, though some flexibility exists for international curriculum schools and examination schedules.
Can schools modify the holiday dates?
Schools must adhere to the official calendar dates. Private schools following non-government curricula can only schedule specific mid-term breaks within designated months.
How do Islamic holidays affect the school calendar?
Fixed Islamic holidays are integrated into the calendar, while variable dates (dependent on moon sighting) are confirmed closer to occurrence.
What happens if a school doesn’t comply with the calendar?
Schools must receive Ministry approval for any variations. Non-compliance could result in regulatory action and potential licensing issues.
Do universities have more flexibility than schools?
Universities can adjust holiday periods by up to one week and modify certain dates for specialised programmes while maintaining the unified start and end dates.
How many instructional days are required?
All schools must provide a minimum of 182 instructional days, though most institutions exceed this requirement to ensure comprehensive curriculum coverage.
Key Takeaway
The UAE’s 2025-2026 academic calendar runs from August 25, 2025, to July 3, 2026, featuring three terms with an extended four-week winter break and structured mid-term breaks. This unified system accommodates diverse curricula while promoting family time and community engagement, with strict assessment requirements ensuring educational quality across all institutions.
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