Officials say the move strengthens system-wide readiness, improves resource management and allows institutions to plan academic and extracurricular activities well in advance. (Source: @UAE_BARQ_EN/X)
UAE academic calendar 2026–2029: The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have unveiled a unified three-year academic calendar covering 2026-2027, 2027-2028 and 2028-2029, bringing long-term clarity for students, parents, schools and universities across the UAE.
According to officials, the move strengthens system-wide readiness, improves resource management and allows institutions to plan academic and extracurricular activities well in advance.
The calendar does not apply to schools following alternative curricula such as Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani systems. (AI-generated image)
Schools: Key dates for 2026–2029
Academic year 2026–2027
Start: August 31, 2026
End: July 2, 2027
Mid-term break (semester 1): October 12–18, 2026
Winter break: December 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Spring break: April 5–11, 2027
Academic year 2027–2028
Start: August 30, 2027
End: June 30, 2028
Mid-term break (semester 1): October 11–17, 2027
Winter break: December 13, 2027 – January 2, 2028
Spring break: March 27 – April 2, 2028
Academic year 2028–2029
Start: August 28, 2028
End: June 29, 2029
Mid-term break (semester 1): October 16–22, 2028
Winter break: December 11, 2028 – January 1, 2029
Spring break: March 29 – April 1, 2029
What schools must follow
All schools must adhere to the approved calendar.
Final assessments or curriculum completion must take place in the last week of term (except for students sitting international exams).
Private schools not following the MoE curriculum may split the October mid-term break (max five school days).
The exception: Private schools in Sharjah will continue under the emirate’s regulatory framework.
Authorities said the unified structure creates a more balanced and stable academic ecosystem, enhancing quality and long-term planning across the UAE’s education sector.
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The calendar does not apply to schools following alternative curricula such as Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani systems. (AI-generated image)