In an important development for the educational sector, the UAE Ministry of Education has announced a new structure for the school calendar, to be implemented in both public and private schools starting from the academic year 2025–2026. This announcement, made by the Council for Education, Human Development, and Society, marks a significant step towards standardizing holidays and term dates across different types of schools, aligning with the goals of the “Year of Community” initiative. The changes aim to create a balanced educational environment that fosters family cohesion and supports students throughout their academic journey.
Overview of the New Structure
The newly established structure for the school calendar reflects a transformative approach to managing school years. Sarah bint Yusuf Al Amiri, the Minister of Education, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the national objectives of enhancing family ties and providing a supportive learning environment. By unifying the holiday schedules and class timings among all schools, the ministry aims to create a stable and flexible educational atmosphere that allows families to plan and engage more actively in their children’s educational and social lives.
Details of the Calendar Changes
The new school calendar introduces specific dates for the beginning and the end of the academic year, as well as the three semesters, ensuring consistency across public and private institutions. The implementation of this calendar is set to begin on August 25, 2025, coinciding with the start of the first semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. Notably, the first semester will conclude with a long winter break lasting four weeks, from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, enabling students to recharge and participate in various national events during this period.
Support for Students and Families
The revised school calendar not only streamlines educational schedules but also prioritizes the well-being of students by incorporating regular breaks throughout the year. For instance, the first semester will feature a mid-term break from October 13 to 19, 2025, and the second semester will have a similar break from February 11 to 15, 2026. These breaks are intended to alleviate the academic pressure on students, providing them with essential downtime to restore their energy and maintain balance in their academic and personal lives.
Adherence to the New Calendar
The Ministry has also stipulated that all schools, including those following different curricula, must adhere to this new school calendar, ensuring that final assessments and curriculum requirements are met consistently. The initiative emphasizes the importance of structured learning environments, particularly for students undertaking international examinations with pre-established schedules. This unified approach aims to enhance the overall educational experience while also strengthening the ties between educational institutions and the community.