Parents and students can now plan ahead with more confidence as the UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced the official academic calendar for public and private schools for the next three years. Covering the academic years of 2026–2027, 2027–2028 and 2028–2029! The calendar includes school start and end dates, semester schedules and all major holidays, making it easier for families to organise travel plans and school commitments well in advance. However, it’s important to note that this calendar does not apply to private schools following alternative curricula, such as Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani systems. Keep reading for all the important details you need to know.
Also read: UAE: Indian Schools To Switch To Unified Academic Calendar From April 2026
Breaking Down The Academic Years
– 2026–2027
The 2026–2027 academic year will begin on August 31, 2026, with the final day of school scheduled for July 2, 2027.
Students will have their first mid-term break from October 12 to October 18, 2026, with classes resuming on October 19. The winter break will run from December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Students will return to school on January 4, 2027.
The spring break is scheduled from April 5 to April 11, 2027, with schools reopening on April 12, 2027.
– 2027–2028
For the 2027–2028 academic year, students will return to school on August 30, 2027, and the school year will end on June 30, 2028.
The first mid-term break will take place from October 11 to October 17, 2027, with classes starting again on October 18. The winter holidays will run from December 13, 2027 to January 2, 2028. School to resume on January 3, 2028.
Students can look forward to the spring break from March 27 to April 2, 2028, returning to school on April 3, 2028.
– 2028–2029
The 2028–2029 academic year will begin on August 28, 2028, and will end on June 29, 2029.
The mid-term break for the first semester will run from October 16 to October 22, 2028, with students returning on October 23. The winter break will be from December 11, 2028 to January 1, 2029. Classes will resume on January 2, 2029.
The spring break will take place from March 29 to April 1, 2029, with schools reopening on April 2, 2029.
Mid-Term Break Rules To Follow
The Ministry of Education has stressed that schools across the UAE must follow the official first-semester mid-term break schedule. However, local education authorities can allow private schools that do not follow the Ministry’s curriculum to split this break between October and February. As long as the total length does not go beyond five school days and suits the school’s schedule.
This rule applies to private schools across the UAE. Except for schools in Sharjah, which will continue following the emirate’s own education regulations.
Students Must Stay Until The Last Day Of School
All schools are required to stick to the approved calendar, including the final week of each term. Schools must use this time for final assessments or completing the syllabus. Which means students are expected to attend school until the last official day. The only exception applies to students who need to leave early for pre-scheduled international exams.
With the academic calendar confirmed until 2029, families and schools across UAE can look ahead with clearer plans of each school year. This even gives you the opportunity to plan summer holidays and long term vacations out better!
