The Ministry of Education has officially released the detailed academic calendar for public and private schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. This new calendar is designed to provide a structured timeline for students, ensuring a more cohesive learning experience across the nation.
In a statement shared on its X platform account, the ministry announced: “You can view the detailed academic calendar for the year 2025-2026 via the link below.”
Unified and Clear Dates
The new academic calendar features unified and clear dates for the start of the academic year, the conclusion of three terms, and the end of the school year. This framework applies to all educational institutions in the country, both public and private, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the educational system.
The implementation of the new calendar will commence on August 25, 2025, marking the start of the first term for the 2025-2026 academic year. It will conclude with an extended winter break of four weeks, beginning on December 8, 2025, and lasting until January 4, 2026, with classes resuming on January 5.
This scheduling allows students ample downtime after an intensive semester, enabling them to better absorb their studies and participate in national and social events occurring during this period.
Term Extensions and Breaks
The second semester is slated to begin on January 5, 2026, and will run until the spring break, which spans from March 16 to March 29. Classwork will resume on March 30, with the exception of private schools in Sharjah, where instruction will recommence on March 23, 2026.
This timeline lays the groundwork for a robust start to the third term, which kicks off on March 30, 2026, and concludes the academic year on July 3 of the same year. This structure aims to promote a more balanced educational approach, clearly distributing breaks to enhance students’ cognitive growth and support their mental health.
It’s important to note that private schools in Sharjah will have their last day of classes on July 2, 2026, deviating from the end date for other schools.
Mid-Term Breaks and Flexibility
The academic calendar also includes mid-term breaks for both public schools and private institutions following the Ministry’s curriculum. These short, regular breaks aim to provide relief throughout the academic year. The mid-term break for the first term will occur from October 13 to 19, 2025, offering early relief during the longest term of the year.
Similarly, the second semester’s mid-term break will extend from February 11 to 15, 2026, occurring halfway through the term to allow students to recharge.
For the third semester, a mid-term vacation is scheduled from May 25 to 31, 2026, coinciding with the Eid al-Adha holiday of that year. The intention behind these brief breaks is to alleviate academic pressure and provide students with additional family time.
The ministry has granted flexibility to private schools not following the Ministry’s curriculum regarding scheduling mid-term breaks in October and February, with the condition that each holiday doesn’t exceed five consecutive days and is not altered outside of the designated timeframe, enabling them to meet operational needs while adhering to the national calendar.
Commitment to the Academic Calendar
The Ministry has emphasized the importance of all schools abiding by the approved academic calendar, including administering final assessments or completing curriculum requirements during the last week of each term. This ensures that students remain engaged in their learning until the final school day, except for grades involved in international examinations with pre-scheduled dates.
Moreover, the ministry reinforced the need for private schools following the Ministry’s curriculum to align their testing schedules with the central exams set in public schools.
This new framework for the 2025-2026 academic year marks a significant step toward enhancing the educational experience for students across the UAE, fostering a well-organized academic environment.