The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the academic calendar for public and private schools for 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29.
The Ministry said that the calendar contributes to the stability of the national educational system and enables early planning for students, teachers, and parents.
Three-Year Calendar
For the academic year 2026-27, classes will begin on 31 August 2026. The first term break will be from 12 to 18 October, while the winter break will be from 14 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Spring break will run from 5 to 11 April 2027. The academic year will end on 2 July 2027.
For the year 2027-28, classes will begin on 30 August 2027. The first term break will be from 11 to 17 October 2027, while the winter break will be from 13 December 2027 to 2 January 2028. Spring break will run from 27 March to 2 April 2028. The academic year will end on 30 June 2028.
For the year 2028-29, classes will begin on 28 August 2028. The first term break will be from 16 to 22 October 2028, while the winter break will be from 11 December 2028 to 1 January 2029. Spring break will run from 26 March to 1 April 2029. The academic year will end on 29 June 2029.
Mid-Term Break For First Semester
The Ministry stressed that all schools across the UAE must adhere to the mid-term break during the first term, as specified in the approved calendar.
However, private schools that don’t follow the national curriculum can divide the five-day term breaks between October and February if local education authorities approve and it fits their schedule. This option is not allowed for private schools in Sharjah.
All schools must follow the approved calendar and ensure students attend school through the final week of term, during which assessments or curriculum requirements will be completed. Exceptions will apply to students taking international examinations scheduled on fixed dates.
The new academic calendar does not apply to private schools following alternative curricula, such as Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani.