UAE Sets School Calendar for Next 3 Years

UAE Publishes Academic Calendar for Next Three Years

The Ministry of Education of the UAE has officially announced the unified academic calendar for the academic years 2026–2027, 2027–2028, and 2028–2029 for public schools and private institutions following the ministry's curriculum. This decision is not merely an administrative step but part of a comprehensive educational policy strategy prioritizing predictability, institutional readiness, and long-term planning.

It is important to note that the new three-year academic calendar does not apply to private schools that follow alternative curricula, such as Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani systems. These institutions will continue to operate according to their schedules and local educational authorities' regulations.

Three-Year Planning: Stability in a Dynamic System

By setting the school calendar for three years at a time, the UAE demonstrates a significant shift in perspective. The ministry emphasized that long-term planning enhances system-level preparedness, improves resource management, and allows schools to prepare their educational and extracurricular programs in a timely and structured way.

In a country with a continually growing population, where schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates cater to a significant international student community, predictability is crucial. Parents, educators, and institution leaders all benefit from knowing in advance when a school year starts and ends and when holidays are scheduled.

2026–2027 Academic Year: End of August Start

The 2026–2027 academic year will begin on August 31, 2026, and end on July 2, 2027. The mid-term break will be from October 12 to October 18, 2026, with classes resuming on October 19.

The winter break will last from December 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with schools reopening on January 4, 2027. The spring break will be from April 5 to April 11, 2027, with classes resuming on April 12. The school year ends at the beginning of July, allowing full use of the summer period.

2027–2028 Academic Year: End of June Conclusion

The 2027–2028 academic year will start on August 30, 2027, and conclude on June 30, 2028. The first-term mid-break is scheduled from October 11 to October 17, 2027, with classes resuming on October 18.

The winter break will be from December 13, 2027, to January 2, 2028, with schools reopening on January 3. The spring break is set for March 27 to April 2, 2028, with classes resuming on April 3. The school year ends at the end of June, resulting in a somewhat shorter summer period compared to the previous year.

2028–2029 Academic Year: Consistent Structure

The 2028–2029 academic year will begin on August 28, 2028, and end on June 29, 2029. The first-term mid-break will be from October 16 to October 22, 2028, with classes resuming on October 23.

The winter break will be from December 11, 2028, to January 1, 2029, with schools reopening on January 2. The spring break is scheduled for March 29 to April 1, 2029, with classes resuming on April 2. This consistent structure provides a well-planned framework for all stakeholders.

Mid-Term Break: Mandatory Adherence

The ministry specifically emphasized that the first-term mid-break must be adhered to by all affected schools within the UAE. However, local educational authorities have the flexibility to allocate this break for private schools not following the ministry's curriculum between October and February, provided the total duration does not exceed five teaching days.

This flexibility allows institutions to tailor the academic year to their pedagogical and operational structures, while the fundamental framework remains unified. Exceptions are the private schools in Sharjah, which continue to follow the emirate’s regulatory system.

Last Week of the School Year: Mandatory Attendance

According to the new regulations, all schools must adhere to the approved calendar, including the last week of the school year. During this period, final assessments must be conducted or curriculum requirements completed to ensure students participate in education until the official last teaching day.

The only exceptions are for those grades participating in pre-scheduled international examinations. The rule aims to eliminate premature absences and ensure the completeness of the educational process.

What Does This Mean for Families and Institutions?

The introduction of a three-year academic calendar sends a clear message: the UAE’s education system is built on stability and strategic thinking. For families, this means greater security, especially for those planning long-term stays in the country, whether in Dubai or other emirates.

For institutions, the pre-defined structure provides an opportunity to develop their plans, investments, and programs over a multi-year perspective. Education thus becomes part of a well-planned, sustainable system rather than a year-to-year organized process.

Therefore, the new academic calendar is not just a collection of dates but a consciously built framework aimed at strengthening the quality and efficiency of education in the coming years.