Beginning of the academic year and term structure
According to the new calendar, students will return to classes on August 31, 2026, after the extended summer break. The academic year will end on July 2, 2027, completing nearly 10 months of structured learning, accompanied by scheduled vacations throughout the year.
The Ministry of Education said the calendar applies to public schools and private institutions that follow the national curriculum. It aims to maintain a consistent framework across the education system, ensuring a balance between teaching time, review periods and breaks.
Mid-term break in October
The first midterm break of the academic year is scheduled from October 12 to October 19, 2026. This week-long break comes right after the start of the school year, giving students an early opportunity to reset before continuing the academic workload of the first quarter.
Private schools that do not follow the national curriculum may have some flexibility in how they structure the mid-term holidays, including splitting them over October and February. However, the total duration should not exceed five school days, according to the ministry’s guidelines.
Winter holidays in schools
Winter break will begin on December 14, 2026, providing students with a significant end-of-year break. Schools will remain closed over the festive period, with classes set to resume on 4 January 2027. The holiday provides a full holiday window spanning late December and early January, in line with seasonal school closures across the UAE.
Spring break and the end of the year
The academic calendar also includes a spring break scheduled from 5 April to 9 April 2027. This midterm holiday falls in the latter part of the school year, giving students a short break before the final semester leading up to end-of-year exams and assessments.
A structured framework for planning
The Ministry of Education said the early release of the academic calendar aims to support long-term planning for families and schools. By clearly outlining term dates and holidays in advance, the framework aims to improve operational readiness in schools while helping parents organize travel, childcare and academic schedules more effectively.
The calendar applies broadly to all public schools and private schools that implement the ministry’s curriculum, while local education authorities may allow adjustments for institutions that follow alternative curricula, provided they remain compliant with comprehensive regulatory requirements.
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. It covers a wide range of stories – from community and health to mental health and inspiring people. A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fans through her writing.
