New Educational Calendar Implemented Across UAE Schools: A Strategic Approach to Holistic Development
DUBAI (ALETIHAD) — In a significant advancement toward enhancing the educational landscape of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has unveiled a new academic calendar that will govern both public and private schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. This development comes alongside the endorsement from the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, indicating a concerted effort to align educational schedules with broader societal goals.
The introduction of this unified school calendar is more than just an administrative measure; it represents a strategic initiative aimed at fostering family cohesion while promoting a conducive learning environment. By establishing consistent term dates and breaks, the new calendar is designed to strike a balance between academic rigor and the well-being of students and their families. This alignment is particularly pertinent as the UAE carries forth the vision of the ‘Year of Community,’ which emphasizes collaboration, connectivity, and social integration among its citizens.
Sarah Al Amiri, the esteemed Minister of Education, articulated the significance of this new calendar in a statement highlighting its role as a catalyst for both educational quality and social cohesion. “This initiative marks a transformative shift in how we manage our academic year, ensuring that it aligns with the community’s aspirations and educational goals,” she explained. The Minister further noted that the standardized holiday dates will offer cultural, community, and tourism organizations the opportunity to coordinate their programs with the academic calendar, thereby strengthening the vital connection between education and society.
The calendar designates 25th August 2025 as the inaugural day of the academic year, with the first term concluding on 8th December 2025. A substantial four-week winter break will follow, extending until 4th January 2026, allowing students time to recharge and engage in community-centric activities. Such breaks are integral to the ethos of family engagement, facilitating closer ties and enhancing students’ overall well-being.
The academic structure comprises three distinct terms. The second term will commence on 5th January 2026 and conclude on 15th March 2026, punctuated by a spring break scheduled for 16th to 29th March 2026. Notably, private schools in Sharjah will have a slightly modified schedule, returning to classes on 23rd March 2026. The final term will thus begin on 30th March 2026 and last until 3rd July 2026, with the exception of Sharjah, where classes will end a day earlier.
A notable feature of the new calendar is the introduction of mid-term breaks, a welcomed adjustment designed to alleviate academic pressure and promote well-being among students. The first mid-term break is set for 13th to 19th October 2025, providing students a necessary respite early in the academic year. In a similar vein, students will enjoy another mid-term break from 11th to 15th February 2026, effectively allowing them to recharge before the final stretch of the term. The third break coincides with the Eid Al Adha holiday, taking place from 25th to 31st May 2026.
To accommodate the operational needs of private schools that do not adhere to the government’s curriculum, the MoE has permitted flexibility in scheduling mid-term breaks in October and February. However, these breaks must not exceed five consecutive days and should remain within the specified months, thereby ensuring alignment with the national calendar.
In a bid to uphold academic integrity and commitment, the Ministry has mandated that all schools adhere strictly to this new calendar. Final assessments and curriculum completion are to be conducted during the last week of each term, ensuring that students remain engaged and present until the academic year’s conclusion—this requirement, however, excludes students taking pre-scheduled international examinations.
In summary, the new school calendar for the academic year 2025-2026 is a thoughtful step toward achieving a harmonious balance between educational objectives and family life within the UAE. By implementing structured breaks and aligned schedules, the Ministry of Education is advocating not only for academic achievement but also for the social health of the community at large.
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