UAE Announces Academic Calendar for Next Three Years
UAE unveils a three-year academic calendar for public and MoE-approved private schools, detailing holidays and breaks.
The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has unveiled the official academic calendar for public and private schools for the next three academic years, covering 2026–2027, 2027–2028 and 2028–2029.
The newly approved UAE school calendar details start and end dates, semester structures and holiday periods, enabling schools to plan academic schedules and extracurricular programmes well in advance.
According to the ministry, adopting a three-year academic calendar strengthens system-wide readiness, improves resource management and enhances long-term planning across the education sector.
The calendar applies to public schools and private schools following the MoE curriculum. It does not apply to private schools offering alternative curricula, including Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani systems.
UAE academic calendar 2026–2027
The 2026–2027 academic year will begin on August 31, 2026 and conclude on July 2, 2027.
-
First semester mid-term break: October 12–18, 2026 (classes resume October 19)
-
Winter break: December 14, 2026–January 3, 2027 (classes resume January 4)
-
Spring break: April 5–11, 2027 (classes resume April 12)
UAE academic calendar 2027–2028
The 2027–2028 academic year will start on August 30, 2027 and end on June 30, 2028.
-
First semester mid-term break: October 11–17, 2027 (classes resume October 18)
-
Winter break: December 13, 2027–January 2, 2028 (classes resume January 3)
-
Spring break: March 27–April 2, 2028 (classes resume April 3)
UAE academic calendar 2028–2029
The 2028–2029 academic year will commence on August 28, 2028 and finish on June 29, 2029.
-
First semester mid-term break: October 16–22, 2028 (classes resume October 23)
-
Winter break: December 11, 2028–January 1, 2029 (classes resume January 2)
-
Spring break: March 29–April 1, 2029 (classes resume April 2)
Mid-term break flexibility and compliance
The MoE stressed that all schools must adhere to the approved first semester mid-term break. However, local education authorities may permit private schools not following the MoE curriculum to split the October break between October and February, provided the total duration does not exceed five school days and aligns with operational needs.
This flexibility applies to eligible private schools across the UAE, except for private schools in Sharjah, which continue to operate under the emirate’s established regulatory framework.
Attendance and final assessments
The ministry also confirmed that schools must comply with the official calendar, including conducting final assessments and completing curriculum requirements during the final week of each term. This ensures student attendance through the last scheduled school day, except for grades sitting pre-scheduled international examinations.
The announcement provides clarity for parents, students and educators planning ahead for the next three academic years in the UAE.