UAE School Calendar 2026-2029: Changes in Holiday Durations

Apr 24, 2026

57 min

Apr 24, 2026 14:31

UAE school calendar for 2026 to 2029: Are winter, summer and spring breaks shorter now?

## Overview of the New Calendar

The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced a fixed three-year academic calendar for public and most private schools, covering the years 2026 to 2029. This change aims to provide families with a clearer understanding of school term dates and holidays.

## Changes in Holiday Durations

The winter break has been reduced from four weeks to three weeks starting from the 2026-27 academic year. Similarly, the spring break has been shortened from two weeks to one week, with the break occurring in early April. However, the summer holiday will be slightly longer as the school year will start later and end earlier compared to the 2025-26 academic year.

## Applicability and Exemptions

The new calendar applies to UAE public schools and most private schools, but not all. Private schools in Sharjah and those following alternative curricula, such as Indian or Pakistani systems, are exempt. These schools may have different academic year start and end dates and term break structures. Local authorities may allow some private schools to split a mid-term break between October and February, provided it does not exceed five school days.

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