UAE's New Academic Year Structure Revealed

UAE Academic Year 2025–2026: New Plans, New Structure for All School Types

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education has officially announced the academic schedule for the 2025–2026 year, applicable to all public and private schools in the country, including higher education institutions. The aim of the new academic schedule is to provide a unified and transparent structure for all involved, while leaving enough flexibility to address curriculum specifics.

Primary and Secondary Schools: Key Dates and Changes

Academic Year Start and End:

Start of the Academic Year: August 25, 2025

End of the Academic Year: July 3, 2026 (July 2 in Sharjah)

Winter Break:

December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Return to School: January 5, 2026

For the first time, the winter break will last four weeks, offering a longer rest period for students, particularly after the first, intensive study period.

Spring Break:

March 16–29, 2026

Private schools in Sharjah return on March 23.

Mid-Semester Breaks (State Curriculum):

First Semester: October 13–19, 2025 (return on October 20)

Second Semester: February 11–15, 2026 (return on February 16)

Third Semester: May 25–31, 2026 (return on June 1)

(This coordinates with the Eid Al Adha holiday)

International Curriculum Schools Schedule

End of First Semester: December 5, 2025

Second Semester: January 5 – March 15, 2026

Spring Break: March 16–29, 2026

Third Semester: March 30 – July 3, 2026 (July 2 in Sharjah)

Flexibility for Indian Curriculum Schools

These schools usually start the academic year in April and end in March. According to the new calendar, they must adhere to the unified opening and closing dates, but they are allowed to start earlier or adjust break dates to fit the Indian study schedule—such as CBSE or CISCE exams—provided these do not deviate from the prescribed framework.

Private Schools Flexibility

Institutions following a private curriculum can hold two semester breaks:

In October, and

In February,

Each lasting a maximum of 5 consecutive days. These cannot be postponed or extended beyond the national academic schedule.

Benefits of a Unified Calendar

The goal of the new, unified schedule is to support planning and mental well-being:

It encourages schools and families to plan ahead.

Reduces stress through well-distributed breaks.

Aligns the academic year with UAE cultural and community events.

At the end of the academic year, all schools are required to ensure student attendance until the last day of teaching and conclude curriculum or assessments during this period. Exceptions are only for grades involved in international exams.

Higher Education Institutions: New Regulations

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's new academic calendar applies to all public and private higher education institutions.

Start and End of Academic Year:

Start: August 25, 2025

End: July 3, 2026

Exceptions apply only to universities following their home country's calendar.

Breaks at Universities:

Winter Break: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Spring Break: March 16–29, 2026

These dates can be shifted one week earlier or later, but the break duration cannot be modified. Higher education institutions may apply their own start and end dates for specialized programs but must adjust to the major frameworks.

Summary

The new academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year seeks a balance between structured education and flexible implementation. An understandable, predictable academic year is thus available to families, students, and educational institutions that considers national, cultural, and educational needs. The goal is a balanced academic year where learning and rest harmoniously alternate.

(Source: UAE Ministry of Education press release.)