The UAE has approved a three-year academic calendar covering 2026 to 2029 for both public and private schools, giving families and educators clearer timelines for long-term planning.
The announcement was made by the UAE Ministry of Education and applies to the 2026 to 2027, 2027 to 2028, and 2028 to 2029 school years. Officials said the move supports stability across the education system and allows parents, students, and schools to prepare well in advance.
Key Dates for 2026 to 2027
The 2026 to 2027 academic year will begin on August 31, 2026.
The first-term mid-break will run from October 12 to October 18, with classes resuming on October 19. Winter break will start on December 14, 2026, and end on January 3, 2027. Students return on January 4.
Spring break is scheduled from April 5 to April 11, 2027. Classes resume on April 12. The last day of the school year will be July 2, 2027.
2027 to 2028 and 2028 to 2029 Highlights
For 2027 to 2028, classes begin August 30, 2027. The academic year ends June 30, 2028.
For 2028 to 2029, students return on August 28, 2028. The school year will conclude on June 29, 2029.
Break periods for both years follow a similar structure, with mid-term breaks in October, winter breaks in December, and spring breaks between late March and early April.
Rules for Schools
The ministry said all schools must follow the approved first-term mid-break schedule.
Private schools that do not follow the national curriculum may split the break between October and February, provided it does not exceed five school days and meets operational requirements. This flexibility does not apply to private schools in Sharjah due to local regulations.
Schools are also required to complete final assessments and curriculum requirements during the final week of each term. Students are expected to attend classes until the last official school day. Exceptions apply to grade levels taking international exams on fixed dates.
The new calendar does not cover private schools operating under Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula.