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)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.Schools: Key dates for 2026–2029Academic year 2026–2027Start: August 31, 2026End: July 2, 2027Mid-term break (semester 1): October 12–18, 2026Winter break: December 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027Spring break: April 5–11, 2027Academic year 2027–2028Start: August 30, 2027End: June 30, 2028Mid-term break (semester 1): October 11–17, 2027Winter break: December 13, 2027 – January 2, 2028Spring break: March 27 – April 2, 2028Academic year 2028–2029Start: August 28, 2028End: June 29, 2029Mid-term break (semester 1): October 16–22, 2028Winter break: December 11, 2028 – January 1, 2029Spring break: March 29 – April 1, 2029What schools must followAll 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.The calendar does not apply to schools following alternative curricula such as Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani systems.Universities: Unified calendar for higher educationOne day after the school announcement, the MoHESR confirmed a standardised calendar for federal and private universities nationwide,The move aligns semester timelines and holiday periods, while allowing international branch campuses to follow their parent universities abroad.Higher education key dates2026–2027Start: August 31, 2026Winter break: December 21, 2026 – January 1, 2027Spring break: April 5–9, 2027Summer semester: May 24 – July 2, 2027End: July 2, 20272027–2028Start: August 30, 2027Winter break: December 20–31, 2027Spring break: March 27–31, 2028Summer semester: May 22 – June 30, 2028End: June 30, 20282028–2029Start: August 28, 2028Winter break: December 18–29, 2028Spring break: March 26–30, 2029Summer semester: May 21 – June 29, 2029End: June 29, 2029Teaching weeksEach academic year will include:16 teaching weeks (semester 1)17 teaching weeks (semester 2)6 teaching weeks (summer semester)Official holidays and breaks are excluded from the total teaching weeks.Why this mattersFor students and families, the most noticeable change is predictable winter breaks stretching into the New Year, making travel planning easier.For university students, clearer semester boundaries help in:Planning internships.Scheduling overseas exchanges.Managing professional certifications.Organising graduation timelines.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.The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. 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