The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the UAE has announced the academic calendar for higher education institutions for the next three academic years. This initiative aims to standardize the academic calendar across the country, including all public and private universities within the UAE.

International branches of universities can coordinate the start and end dates of their academic year with the mother university, but other higher education institutions are required to adhere to this calendar.

Academic Year 2026-2027
- Start: August 31, 2026
- Winter Break: December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027
- Spring Break: April 5 to April 9, 2027
- Summer Term: May 24 to July 2, 2027

Academic Year 2027-2028
- Start: August 30, 2027
- Winter Break: December 20 to December 31, 2027
- Spring Break: March 27 to March 31, 2028
- Summer Term: May 22 to June 30, 2028

Academic Year 2028-2029
- Start: August 28, 2028
- Winter Break: December 18 to December 29, 2028
- Spring Break: March 26 to March 30, 2029
- Summer Term: May 21 to June 29, 2029

According to this calendar, the first semester will have 16 weeks, the second semester will have 17 weeks, and the summer term will have 6 weeks of active teaching. Official holidays and leaves will be deducted from these times.

The Ministry of Higher Education of the UAE stated that this calendar provides a balanced framework for the appropriate distribution of academic courses and holidays and has been developed to enhance the quality and efficiency of the country's higher education system.

Source: Gulf Times