Start of the academic year and term structure
Under the new calendar, students will return to classrooms on August 31, 2026, after the extended summer break. The academic year will conclude on July 2, 2027, completing nearly 10 months of structured learning punctuated by scheduled breaks throughout the year.
The Ministry of Education said the calendar applies to public schools and private institutions that follow the national curriculum. It is intended to maintain a consistent framework across the education system, ensuring a balance between instructional time, revision periods, and rest breaks.
Mid-term break in October
The first mid-term break of the academic year is scheduled from October 12 to October 19, 2026. This week-long pause comes shortly after the start of the school year, giving students an early opportunity to reset before continuing the first term’s academic workload.
Private schools that do not follow the national curriculum may have some flexibility in how they structure mid-term breaks, including splitting them across October and February. However, the total duration must not exceed five school days, according to ministry guidelines.
Winter break across schools
The winter break will begin on December 14, 2026, offering students a significant end-of-year pause. Schools will remain closed through the festive period, with classes set to resume on January 4, 2027. The break provides a full holiday window spanning late December and early January, aligning with seasonal school closures across the UAE.
Spring break and end of year
The academic calendar also includes a spring break scheduled from April 5 to April 9, 2027. This mid-term holiday falls in the final stretch of the school year, giving students a brief respite before the final term leading up to exams and year-end assessments.
A structured framework for planning
The Ministry of Education said the early release of the academic calendar is intended to support long-term planning for families and schools alike. By clearly outlining term dates and holidays well in advance, the framework aims to improve operational readiness in schools while helping parents organise travel, childcare, and academic schedules more effectively.
The calendar applies broadly to all public schools and private schools implementing the ministry’s curriculum, while local education authorities may allow adjustments for institutions following alternative curricula, provided they remain aligned with overarching regulatory requirements.
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories—from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features.
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