ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) – In a significant advancement towards enhancing the educational framework within the UAE, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has unveiled a revised academic calendar for the academic year 2025-2026. This initiative, resulting from the recent endorsement by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive and responsive higher education system.
The newly introduced academic calendar seeks to create a standardized structure across all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE. The objective is to promote a more uniform and flexible academic timeline, accommodating the pursuits and well-being of students while simultaneously aligning with the broader objectives of the ‘Year of Community.’ This endeavor aims to strengthen familial bonds and support students through an equitable distribution of instructional periods and breaks.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, articulated the significance of this revised calendar. He emphasized that it is a testament to the Ministry’s dedication to cultivating an inclusive academic ecosystem that aligns with the diverse needs of students. “This initiative represents our continuous efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the higher education framework,” stated Dr. Al Awar. “By aligning educational strategies with community aspirations, we aim to facilitate a holistic development journey for our students.”
The academic year is set to commence on August 25, 2025, and will feature substantial holiday intervals consistent with the school calendar. Notably, students will benefit from a four-week winter recess scheduled from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with instruction resuming on January 5. Additionally, there will be a two-week spring break from March 16 to March 29, 2026, before classes reconvene on March 30.
This refined calendar not only establishes clear beginnings and endings for the academic year, concluding on July 3, 2026, but it also provides a balanced schedule that enhances the learning experience and mental well-being of students. Moreover, the mandate ensures all UAE-based HEIs adhere to a uniform calendar timeline. Exceptions are made for international institutions, which may follow their home countries’ academic schedules.
The proposed structure also prioritizes adaptability, allowing universities to tailor the academic start dates in accordance with the specific requirements of various programs and specializations. It provides leeway for institutions to modify the academic year’s end date in correlation with the summer semester schedules. Furthermore, institutions will have the discretion to adjust holiday durations by a margin of one week before or after the stipulated dates, provided that the overall length of holidays remains consistent.
This strategic initiative is part of a broader national commitment to refining the educational experience in the UAE, encapsulating the Ministry’s vision of providing a high-quality, more adaptable academic environment for students. “We are optimistic that these changes will facilitate a more enriching educational journey,” Dr. Al Awar remarked, adding that the adjustments are designed to encourage student engagement, well-being, and personal development.
As educational paradigms continue to shift globally, the UAE stands at the forefront of reform, indicating a profound understanding of the evolving needs of students in a rapidly changing world. Such initiatives reflect a commitment not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing a generation equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
In conclusion, the new academic calendar for higher education institutions in the UAE signifies a critical step towards unifying educational standards while emphasizing the importance of student well-being and community involvement. As the nation moves forward with these changes, it is poised to shape a more resilient and responsive educational landscape that benefits students and society alike.
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