The UAE Ministry of Education has published the approved academic calendar for the next three school years, covering both public and private institutions.
The release spans the 2026–2027, 2027–2028, and 2028–2029 academic years and is intended to give students, parents, and educators the opportunity to plan well in advance.
The Ministry said the calendar reflects its commitment to a framework that balances the number of days in the classroom with learning outcomes, while accounting for both educational and social considerations.
The 2026–2027 Academic Year
Classes for the first of the three years will begin on August 31, 2026. A mid-term break runs from October 12 to 18, with students returning on October 19.
The winter break is scheduled from December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with studies resuming on January 4.
A spring break will follow from April 5 to 11, 2027, with classes picking up again on April 12. The final school day of that year falls on July 2, 2027.
The 2027–2028 Academic Year
The second year opens on August 30, 2027. Mid-term break runs from October 11 to 17, 2027, with a return on October 18.
Winter break begins on December 13, 2027 and ends on January 2, 2028, with studies resuming on January 3. The spring break spans March 27 to April 2, 2028, with students back in school on April 3. The academic year concludes on June 30, 2028.
The 2028–2029 Academic Year
The third and final year in the calendar begins on August 28, 2028. The mid-term break runs from October 16 to 22, 2028, with classes resuming on October 23.
Winter break is set for December 11, 2028 to January 1, 2029, with schools reopening on January 2. The spring break falls between March 26 and April 1, 2029, resuming on April 2. The last day of the school year is June 29, 2029.
Three-year UAE school calendar announced: What parents need to know
The Ministry has stated that all schools must adhere to the designated mid-term break. However, local education authorities may allow private schools that do not follow the Ministry’s curriculum to divide this break between October and February, provided the total does not exceed five school days and is in line with their operational needs.
“This exception does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which are governed by the emirate’s specific regulatory framework.”
All schools are required to comply fully with the approved calendar. To ensure that pupils are in attendance until the last day, the Ministry has stipulated that schools must conduct final assessments or complete curriculum requirements during the final week of each term. The only exception is for year groups sitting for pre-scheduled international examinations.
The Ministry confirmed that the calendar does not apply to UAE private schools following the Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula.
The Ministry noted that publishing three years of dates at once is intended to improve readiness across the sector, support resource management, and allow for early programme planning. The announcement described schools as “central pillars for future generations” and said the calendar supports that vision.
