25 February 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 3:56 pm]
The UAE schools calendar for the next three academic years has officially been released, giving parents, students, and educators much-needed clarity. The UAE school calendar 2026–2029 outlines start dates, mid-term breaks, winter holidays and summer closures.
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UAE Schools Calendar 2026–2027
Overview: The academic year begins slightly later and includes a shorter winter break compared to previous cycles.
Below are the confirmed dates under the UAE schools calendar:
- Start of academic year: August 31, 2026
- Mid-term break (Term 1): October 12–18, 2026
- Winter break: December 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Spring break: April 5–11, 2027
- End of academic year: July 2, 2027
The 2026–2027 UAE school calendar shows a predictable pattern, with breaks roughly every 6–8 weeks during the first half of the year.
UAE Schools Calendar 2027–2028
Overview: The structure remains consistent, with slight date adjustments.
Here’s how the UAE schools calendar looks for 2027–2028:
- Start of academic year: August 30, 2027
- Mid-term break: October 11–17, 2027
- Winter break: December 13, 2027 – January 2, 2028
- Spring break: March 27 – April 2, 2028
- End of academic year: June 30, 2028
The stability in the UAE school calendar allows families to organise travel and enrichment activities well in advance.
UAE Schools Calendar 2028–2029
Overview: The academic rhythm remains largely unchanged, reinforcing long-term predictability.
For 2028–2029, the UAE schools calendar includes:
- Start of academic year: August 26, 2028
- Mid-term break: October 16–22, 2028
- Winter break: December 11, 2028 – January 1, 2029
- Spring break: March 26 – April 1, 2029
- End of academic year: June 29, 2029
The three-year UAE school calendar confirms the government’s commitment to consistency and structured learning cycles.
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What’s Changed in the New UAE School Calendar?
Overview: While the structure feels familiar, some important adjustments stand out.
Here are the key updates:
- Shorter winter break: Reduced to around three weeks instead of four.
- Spring break shortened: Now one week instead of two in earlier cycles.
- Later academic start: Slightly delayed compared to 2025–2026.
- Three-year roadmap introduced: Offering greater stability than previous single-year announcements.
According to the UAE Ministry of Education, the revised UAE schools calendar aims to balance instructional time with student well-being.
Are All Schools Required to Follow This Calendar?
Overview: Most schools must comply, but there are exceptions families should note.
Important clarifications:
- The UAE school calendar applies to all public schools.
- Most private schools must follow the unified start and end dates.
- Private schools not following the Ministry curriculum may split mid-term breaks (maximum five days).
- Private schools in Sharjah operate under a separate regulatory framework.
- Schools following Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani curricula may have different academic structures.
Parents are strongly advised to confirm dates directly with their child’s school.
Curriculum Governance: Bigger Changes Ahead
Overview: Beyond dates, the UAE has introduced a major educational reform.
The government has issued a federal decree law regulating the design and governance of the national curriculum. For the first time, a comprehensive legal framework defines:
- Educational objectives
- Language of instruction
- Duration of classes
- National identity values
- Graduate competencies
Schools are responsible for implementation and feedback, but local authorities oversee compliance. This means lesson structures and academic priorities may gradually evolve over the coming years.
Why This Matters for Parents
Overview: Impacts for parents.
The structured pattern in the UAE schools’ calendar makes planning easier. Here’s how:
- Breaks arrive every 6–8 weeks in Term 1.
- Winter remains the longest and most travel-friendly holiday.
- Summer holidays continue to run from late June/early July to late August.
However, families in emirates with exceptions or alternative curricula must double-check.
FAQs
1. When does the 2026–2027 academic year start in the UAE?
The academic year begins on August 31, 2026.
2. Has the winter break been reduced?
Yes, the winter break is now around three weeks instead of four in previous cycles.
3. Does the UAE school calendar apply to Indian curriculum schools?
Not fully. Schools following alternative curricula may operate differently.
4. Are Sharjah private schools included?
No, private schools in Sharjah follow a separate regulatory framework.
5. Why was a three-year calendar introduced?
It improves long-term planning, system stability and resource management.
Conclusion
The newly announced UAE schools calendar for 2026–2029 delivers predictability, structured breaks and improved long-term planning. While most families will benefit from the unified UAE school calendar, exemptions mean checking individual school schedules remains essential.
Read more: UAE Education Changes 2026 Explained: New School Rules, Calendar, Attendance, Fridays Timing
