The UAE has officially approved a unified academic calendar for the 2025–2026 year across all public and private universities. The updated schedule aims to promote student well-being, align with national goals, and create a more balanced academic environment.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has unveiled a new academic calendar structure that will be implemented across all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE starting from the academic year 2025–2026. The move follows approval from the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council and represents a unified national effort to improve academic life, support student wellness, and enhance the overall learning environment in line with the UAE’s broader community development goals.
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The updated calendar introduces significant changes to the scheduling of university breaks, including more consistent and longer end-of-term holidays. The structure is designed to bring more balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being, allowing students and their families to plan more effectively and enjoy meaningful downtime throughout the year.
According to MoHESR, this strategic shift is in line with the UAE’s "Year of Community" initiative, which emphasizes family cohesion, societal well-being, and the holistic development of the country’s youth.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated that the new calendar reflects a progressive step in higher education reform. “This decision demonstrates our commitment to building an academic environment that not only prioritizes educational excellence but also ensures students have the emotional and social support necessary for personal growth,” he said.
He further explained that aligning academic policies with community development goals marks a significant advancement toward an integrated and student-centric higher education model.
The university academic year will officially begin on August 25, 2025, and end on July 3, 2026. Major holidays have been realigned to offer a more even distribution of academic and rest periods:
These changes are designed to synchronize with the broader school calendar across the UAE, allowing families with students in different education levels to benefit from simultaneous holiday periods.
Moreover, while the start and end dates are fixed for all UAE-based institutions, flexibility is built into the system to accommodate the academic requirements of specific programs and international universities operating in the UAE. Institutions may adjust the start date of the academic year according to the nature of their curriculum and academic specialization, and may also shift holiday dates by up to one week before or after the official periods, as long as the total break duration remains unchanged.
The revised calendar is more than just a logistical change—it reflects a broader educational philosophy. By offering students a better balance of study and rest, the Ministry aims to reduce academic pressure and promote better mental health among the university population.
“Students today face a demanding academic environment that can take a toll on their emotional and psychological well-being. With this new structure, we aim to ensure a healthier rhythm of learning, rest, and reflection,” said Dr. Al Awar. He emphasized that a more balanced academic schedule would not only improve academic performance but also allow students to engage more meaningfully in extracurricular activities, internships, and community initiatives.
The Ministry also highlighted that this approach supports the UAE’s vision of nurturing future-ready graduates who are not only academically competent but also emotionally resilient, socially aware, and deeply connected to their communities.
The academic calendar reform is part of a larger transformation in the UAE’s higher education system aimed at aligning academic experiences with the evolving needs of students and society. By making the academic year more structured and predictable, the Ministry hopes to build a more supportive ecosystem for both students and educators.
The initiative also supports the UAE’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for academic excellence and innovation, ensuring that students in the country receive an education that meets global standards while being deeply rooted in local values.
In line with the goals of the "Year of Community," the move seeks to promote social inclusion, family unity, and national engagement across all levels of education.
While the new calendar applies to all public and private HEIs within the country, international universities operating in the UAE that follow their home country’s academic schedule will be allowed to maintain their timelines with certain conditions. This reflects the UAE’s recognition of the diverse educational landscape within its borders and its commitment to supporting global academic integration.
Universities are also encouraged to plan summer semesters, internship programs, and enrichment courses in line with the updated calendar to ensure continuity in academic services and maximize the use of available resources during the extended academic breaks.
The rollout of the new academic calendar marks a strategic milestone in the UAE’s educational development. By fostering a unified, flexible, and student-centered academic structure, the Ministry is working to equip the country’s youth with not just knowledge, but the holistic skills and support systems they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.
As higher education institutions begin preparations to implement the new structure, the Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to offering full guidance, support, and collaboration to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
