The UAE Ministry of Education has officially released the 2025–2026 school calendar, setting term dates, holidays, and mid-term breaks for public and most private schools across the country. Parents, students, and educators can now plan ahead with clarity, as the schedule outlines the entire academic year — from the first day of school to the final term break.
The upcoming school year will begin on 25 August 2025 and end on 3 July 2026. In Sharjah, the final school day will be 2 July 2026. The unified calendar aims to align term times across the UAE, making it easier for families with children in different schools to coordinate schedules.
Private schools not following the national curriculum can take up to two mid-term breaks — one in October and one in February — each limited to five consecutive days, and only within those months. This flexibility allows them to cater to their own academic programs while staying aligned with the Ministry’s framework.
A unified school calendar streamlines planning for families and educators. Extended winter and spring breaks help students recharge, while mid-term pauses aim to reduce academic stress. The inclusion of well-being breaks also reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting mental health in education.
| Period | Date |
|---|---|
| Academic Year Start | 25 August 2025 |
| Mid-Term Break (Term 1) | 13–19 October 2025 |
| Winter Break | 8 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 |
| Second Term | 5 January – 15 March 2026 |
| Spring Break | 16–29 March 2026 |
| Third Term | 30 March – 3 July 2026 |
| Mid-Term Break (Term 2) | 11–15 February 2026 |
| Mid-Term Break (Term 3) | 25–31 May 2026 |
| Academic Year End | 3 July 2026 (2 July in Sharjah) |
The UAE school calendar for 2025–2026 offers clear guidance for the year ahead, with balanced term lengths, extended holidays, and well-being breaks. Whether you’re a parent planning vacations, a student preparing for exams, or a teacher organizing lesson plans, this schedule ensures you can approach the academic year with confidence.
Q1: When does the UAE 2025–2026 school year start?
It begins on 25 August 2025.
Q2: How long is the winter break?
It runs from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
Q3: When is the spring break in 2026?
From 16 to 29 March 2026, with Sharjah private schools resuming on 23 March.
Q4: When does the school year end?
It ends on 3 July 2026, or 2 July in Sharjah.
