The Ministry of Education (MoE) has unveiled a new unified school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year, following approval from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.
The calendar applies to all public and private schools across the UAE and introduces aligned start and end dates for academic terms, new mid-term breaks, and a structure designed to promote student well-being and family unity.
The academic year will officially commence on 25 August 2025. Students will begin their first term with a structured academic plan that concludes on 7 December 2025. A four-week winter break will follow, running from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Schools will resume classes on 5 January 2026.
The second term will span from 5 January to 15 March 2026, with a two-week spring break from 16 to 29 March 2026. Classes resume on 30 March 2026, except in Sharjah, where private schools will reopen on 23 March 2026. The final term of the academic year will conclude on 3 July 2026 across the UAE, except in Sharjah where the school year ends a day earlier on 2 July 2026.
In a move aimed at easing academic pressure, the new calendar introduces three mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government curriculum. The first break is set for 13–19 October 2025, followed by a second from 11–15 February 2026, and a third from 25–31 May 2026, which coincides with the Eid Al Adha holiday. These breaks are designed to give students regular opportunities to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with their families.
For private schools not following the national curriculum, the Ministry has permitted limited flexibility. These schools may schedule two mid-term breaks, one in October and another in February, but each break must not exceed five consecutive days and must fall within the designated months.
Minister of Education, Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, stated that the calendar reflects a shift toward building a more balanced academic structure that aligns with the goals of the “Year of Community.” She emphasized that the calendar is now a strategic national tool to promote both educational excellence and social cohesion.
All schools are required to adhere strictly to the calendar, including conducting final assessments in the last week of each term. Private schools following the government curriculum must also comply with the centralized test schedule used in public schools.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
