Academic calendars, covering school years from 2026 to 2029, have been announced by the country’s Ministry of Education
Parents in the UAE take note, the academic calendar has now been set for the next three years. This week, the UAE’s Ministry of Education unveiled the academic calendar for 2026-2027, 2027-2028 and 2028-2029, giving parents, students and teachers more stability and clarity to help plan ahead.
What’s changed?
There are updates across the board, including an adjusted start date for the academic year, a reduction of the winter break from four weeks to three, new dates for spring break and revised mid-term break schedules.
You’ll notice that there’s no February mid-term dates given, however education authorities may permit private schools to split mid-term break between October and February, so long as it aligns with operational requirements and the break does not exceed five school days.
All of the changes look to further support learning in the UAE while also enhancing student wellbeing.
What are the dates?
Academic year 2026 – 2027
Start date for students: 31 August 2026
First semester mid-term break: 12 to 18 October 2026
Winter break for students: 14 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Spring break for students: 5 to 11 April 2027
End of academic year: 2 July 2027
Academic year 2027 – 2028
Start date for students: 30 August 2027
First semester mid-term break: 11 to 17 October 2027
Winter break for students: 13 December 2027 to 2 January 2028
Spring break for students: 27 March to 11 April 2028
End of academic year: 30 June 2028
Academic year 2028 – 2029
Start date for students: 28 August 2028
First semester mid-term break: 16 to 22 October 2028
Winter break for students: 12 December 2028 to 1 January 2029
Spring break for students: 26 March to 1 April 2029
End of academic year: 29 June 2029
Which schools does it affect?
There are some exceptions. Per Gulf News, private schools in Sharjah are exempt and will continue following the emirate’s existing regulatory framework.
Private schools following curricula such as Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani systems may also have different start and end dates, as well as different term break structures.
More changes to the UAE’s academia framework
In December, the UAE’s Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council announced new age rules for admissions to FS1 and FS2 would be introduced from the 2026–2027 academic year.
As per the revised guidelines, December 31 is now the cut-off date for school admission, rather than August 31, giving children more time to reach the required age before starting school. Note, the revised cut-off ages apply to children following the British curriculum only.
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