The Ministry of Education of the UAE has announced the academic calendar for the next three years for public and private schools. This action has been taken to better plan for students, parents, and teachers.

One of the most significant changes is the reduction in the duration of winter holidays. In the 2025-2026 academic year, these holidays were four weeks long, but starting next year, they will be reduced to three weeks.

Academic Calendar for 2026-2027
- Start of Classes: August 31, 2026
- Mid-term Holidays: October 12 to 18, 2026
- Winter Holidays: December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Spring Holidays: April 5 to 11, 2027
- Last Day of School: July 2, 2027

Academic Calendar for 2027-2028
- Start of Classes: August 30, 2027
- Mid-term Holidays: October 11 to 17, 2027
- Winter Holidays: December 13, 2027 to January 2, 2028
- Spring Holidays: March 27 to April 3, 2028
- Last Day of School: June 30, 2028

Academic Calendar for 2028-2029
- Start of Classes: August 28, 2028
- Mid-term Holidays: October 16 to 22, 2028
- Winter Holidays: December 11, 2028 to January 1, 2029
- Spring Holidays: March 26 to April 1, 2029
- Last Day of School: June 29, 2029

All schools are required to observe the mid-term holidays according to the official calendar. However, private schools that do not follow the Ministry's curriculum may divide these holidays between October and February, provided that they do not exceed five days. This exception does not apply to private schools in Sharjah.

This calendar does not include private schools with Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula. Additionally, schools are required to conduct final assessments in the last week of each term to ensure student attendance until the last day.

Source: The National News