The UAE Ministry of Education has published the official UAE school calendar for 2026–2029, confirming term start dates, holiday breaks, and a revised admission age rule that will affect families with young children. The three-year schedule covers public and most private schools across the country, giving parents earlier visibility to plan travel and childcare well in advance.
What Has Changed in the UAE Academic Calendar?
Several key updates have been introduced across the three academic years:
- Adjusted start dates for each school year - Winter break reduced from four weeks to three - Updated spring break dates - Revised mid-term break schedules
There are no fixed February mid-term dates in the new schedule. However, education authorities may allow private schools to split mid-term breaks between October and February, provided the total break does not exceed five school days and aligns with operational requirements.
These updates aim to balance structured learning with student wellbeing across the UAE.
UAE School Calendar 2026–2027
- Start date: 31 August 2026 - First semester mid-term break: 12–18 October 2026 - Winter break: 14 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 - Spring break: 5–11 April 2027 - End of academic year: 2 July 2027
UAE School Calendar 2027–2028
- Start date: 30 August 2027 - First semester mid-term break: 11–17 October 2027 - Winter break: 13 December 2027 – 2 January 2028 - Spring break: 27 March – 2 April 2028 - End of academic year: 30 June 2028
UAE School Calendar 2028–2029
- Start date: 28 August 2028 - First semester mid-term break: 16–22 October 2028 - Winter break: 11 December 2028 – 1 January 2029 - Spring break: 29 March – 1 April 2029 - End of academic year: 29 June 2029
Which Schools Are Affected?
The UAE academic calendar applies to most public and private schools across the country. However, there are exceptions:
- Private schools in Sharjah are exempt and will continue under the emirate's existing regulatory framework. - Schools following Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula may have different term structures, start dates, and break schedules.
Parents are encouraged to confirm exact dates directly with their school, particularly if it operates under a curriculum not governed by the Ministry of Education.
New Age Rules for FS1 and FS2 Admissions
Alongside the new school calendar, the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council has confirmed revised age cut-off rules starting from the 2026–27 academic year.
The new admission cut-off date is 31 December, replacing the previous 31 August deadline. This change applies to students following the British curriculum only, giving children additional time to meet the required age before enrollment.
What This Means for UAE Families
The three-year UAE academic calendar provides greater stability and predictability for families with school-age children. With confirmed start dates, mid-term breaks, and end-of-year timelines through 2029, parents can plan travel, childcare, and academic commitments with far more certainty.
While some curriculum-based variations remain, the long-term structure signals a clear move toward greater consistency across the UAE education system. Families are advised to keep an eye on announcements from their school authority for any emirate-level adjustments.
