Families across the UAE now have more certainty when it comes to school schedules, thanks to the Ministry of Education’s newly announced three-year academic calendar covering 2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29. This move means no more waiting for last-minute holiday announcements—parents and teachers can plan ahead with confidence.
But the new calendar brings a notable change: in many cases, school breaks are getting shorter.
What’s changed?
The new calendar applies to all UAE public schools and most private schools following the national curriculum. By locking in term dates and holidays for three years, authorities hope to make life easier for families, educators, and anyone planning travel.
The academic year will start a little later than before and finish a day earlier, which means summer break is slightly longer overall.
Are school holidays shorter now?
- Winter break: Previously, students enjoyed a four-week winter holiday. Starting from 2026–27, this will be reduced to three weeks—a full week less.
- Spring break: Historically two weeks, spring break will now only last for one week. For the 2026–27 school year, spring break is set for April 5–11, with classes resuming on April 12.
- Summer break: While winter and spring holidays are shorter, the summer break will be a bit longer since the school year starts six days later and ends one day earlier than before.
New rules for assessments
Schools are required to complete final assessments and curriculum requirements during the last week of each term. However, those hosting pre-scheduled international exams are exempt from this rule.
Does this apply to every school?
Not quite. Private schools in Sharjah have their own calendar and are not affected by the new MOE schedule. Schools offering Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula may also operate under different term dates and holiday systems. Parents should check directly with their child’s school to confirm exact dates.
While winter and spring breaks are getting shorter, the new calendar’s predictability offers families and teachers a welcome trade-off—making it easier to plan trips, activities, and academic goals well in advance.
