The UAE Ministry of Education reveals the new 2025–2026 school calendar with unified term dates and mid-term breaks to support family life and student well-being.
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Education (MoE), following approval by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, has announced the official UAE school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year. This applies to all public and private schools nationwide, ensuring unified term start and end dates, as well as consistent holidays.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, stated that the calendar supports the goals of the ‘Year of Community’ by promoting family cohesion, well-being, and a balanced academic structure. She emphasised the calendar’s value as a national tool to harmonise educational, cultural, and tourism initiatives.
The academic year begins on 25 August 2025. Term 1 ends with a winter break from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Term 2 runs from 5 January to 15 March 2026, followed by a spring break (16–29 March). Schools resume on 30 March, except private schools in Sharjah, which return on 23 March. Term 3 ends on 3 July 2026, with Sharjah ending on 2 July.
Three mid-term breaks will ease academic pressure:
- 13–19 October 2025
- 11–15 February 2026
- 25–31 May 2026 (aligned with Eid Al Adha)
Mid-term breaks are compulsory for public and government-curriculum private schools. Private schools with alternative curricula may hold two short breaks in October and February, not exceeding five days.
Schools must complete curriculum and assessments by term-end, ensuring student attendance until the final day, except for grades involved in international exams.
The new calendar underlines the UAE’s vision of holistic education aligned with societal needs.
