The UAE Ministry of Education has released the official school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year, with classes starting on August 25, 2025, and ending on July 3, 2026. The calendar applies to all public and private schools across the country.
Abu Dhabi : In a major move towards national consistency, the UAE’s Ministry of Education has officially announced the unified school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year, which will apply to all public and private schools across the country, regardless of the curriculum they follow.
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According to the approved calendar, students in both public and private institutions will return to school on Monday, August 25, 2025, marking the start of the new academic year. Teaching staff are expected to return a week earlier for orientation and preparations.
The academic year will conclude on Friday, July 3, 2026, with private schools in Sharjah finishing slightly earlier on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
To promote student well-being and reduce academic pressure, the calendar includes three mid-term breaks and two major term holidays.
The unified academic calendar applies to schools following all international curricula, including British, American, Indian, IB, and others. Schools are required to adhere to the specified start and end dates, as well as holidays, ensuring uniformity across emirates and educational systems.
However, private schools will have limited flexibility. While the overall calendar must be followed, schools may choose a five-day mid-term break in either October or February, as long as it falls within the approved date ranges.
All schools must ensure that final examinations or curriculum assessments are conducted during the final week of each term. Exceptions will only apply to students appearing for international board examinations, such as IGCSEs or IB.
The move is in line with the UAE’s broader vision for community-focused planning. By aligning academic schedules nationwide, families will find it easier to plan vacations, participate in cultural activities, and manage time with children studying in different emirates or schools.
The Ministry of Education emphasized that this unified calendar is part of its strategy to support mental well-being, educational balance, and social cohesion, especially in a diverse and multi-curricular landscape like the UAE.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| School Year Begins | 25 August 2025 |
| Mid-Term Break 1 | 13–19 October 2025 |
| Winter Break | 8 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 |
| Mid-Term Break 2 | 11–15 February 2026 |
| Spring Break | 16–29 March 2026 |
| Mid-Term Break 3 | 25–31 May 2026 |
| Academic Year Ends | 3 July 2026 (2 July in Sharjah) |
The Ministry encourages schools, parents, and students to begin preparations early and align plans with the published calendar to ensure a smooth academic year ahead.
