UAE School Calendar 2025-2026: Expanded Winter Break and New Mid-Term Holidays Unveiled

UAE Announces New Mid-Term Breaks for Students in 2025-2026 Academic Year

Dubai, UAE – In a move designed too prioritize student well-being and foster stronger community alignment, the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a revised school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, introducing three new mid-term breaks for schools following the government curriculum.

The changes, effective immediately for the upcoming academic year, will see students benefit from dedicated periods of rest and recharge throughout the year.These breaks are scheduled as follows:

October 13 – 19, 2025: An early break strategically placed within the longest term of the academic year.
February 11 – 15, 2026: A mid-year break intended to provide students with a vital period of rest and rejuvenation.
May 25 – 31, 2026: A break coinciding with the notable Eid Al Adha holiday.

the MoE has clarified that private schools operating under curricula other than the government’s are permitted to schedule October and February breaks of up to five consecutive days, provided they fall within the designated months.

“This calendar serves as a strategic national tool, reinforcing both educational quality and social cohesion,” stated Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, in a press release. She further emphasized the benefits of consistent holiday dates, noting they will allow community, cultural, and tourism sectors to better align their programs with the academic schedule, strengthening the vital connection between education and society.

Key Dates for the 2025-2026 academic Year:

Academic Year Starts: August 25, 2025
Term 1 Ends: December 7, 2025
Winter Break: December 8, 2025 – january 4, 2026 (4 weeks)
Term 2 Ends: March 15, 2026
Spring Break: March 16 – 29, 2026 (Sharjah private schools return march 23)
* Term 3 Ends: July 3, 2026 (Sharjah ends July 2)

The MoE has stressed the importance of adherence to the approved calendar by all schools, ensuring that teaching, assessments, and curriculum completion continue uninterrupted until the end of each term. Private schools following the government curriculum will also be required to align with the centralized test schedule used in public schools.

Beyond the Dates: A Focus on Holistic Education

This shift towards incorporating more frequent breaks reflects a growing global understanding of the importance of student well-being in academic success. Research consistently demonstrates that adequate rest and recovery periods can substantially improve student focus, engagement, and overall mental health.

The UAE’s proactive approach to adjusting the school calendar underscores its commitment to providing a holistic educational experience that prioritizes not only academic achievement but also the social and emotional development of its students. This move is also expected to positively impact family life, allowing for more quality time and opportunities for shared experiences during the breaks.

The alignment of school holidays with key cultural events like eid al Adha further reinforces the UAE’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and fostering a sense of national identity among its youth.This coordinated approach promises a more balanced and enriching educational experience for students across the Emirates.

what is the duration of the winter break for the 2025-2026 academic year, and how does it compare to previous years?

The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced important updates to the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, bringing welcome changes for students, parents, and educators. Key adjustments include a longer winter break and the introduction of new mid-term holidays, designed to enhance student well-being and provide more opportunities for family time. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the UAE school calendar 2025-2026, covering significant dates and what these changes mean for your planning.

Key Dates for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Here’s a extensive overview of the confirmed dates for the upcoming academic year. Note that dates can vary slightly between public and private schools, notably those following different curricula (British, American, IB, etc.). This calendar primarily reflects the MoE guidelines for public schools, but we’ll also address variations.

First Term:

Start Date: August 25th, 2025

Mid-Term Break: November 17th – November 21st, 2025 (New addition for 2025-2026)

End Date: December 19th, 2025

Second Term:

Start Date: January 5th, 2026

Mid-Term Break: March 8th – March 12th, 2026 (New addition for 2025-2026)

End Date: april 9th, 2026

Third Term:

Start Date: April 19th, 2026

End Date: June 25th, 2026

Expanded Winter Break: A Detailed Look

The most significant change is the extended winter break. For the 2025-2026 UAE school calendar, students can look forward to a ample period of rest and relaxation.

Winter Break Start Date: December 20th, 2025

Winter Break end Date: January 4th, 2026

Total Duration: 16 days – a notable increase from previous years.

This extended break allows families ample time for travel,celebrating holidays,and simply recharging before the second term begins. Many families utilize this time for travel to their home countries or for vacations within the UAE, taking advantage of the pleasant winter whether. UAE holidays are frequently enough centered around this period.

New Mid-Term Holidays: Boosting Student Well-being

The introduction of mid-term breaks in both the first and second terms is a positive development. These breaks are intended to alleviate academic pressure and provide students with opportunities to rest and pursue extracurricular activities.

First Term Mid-Term Break: November 17th – November 21st, 2025 (5 days)

Second Term Mid-Term Break: March 8th – March 12th, 2026 (5 days)

These shorter breaks are strategically placed to prevent student burnout and maintain optimal learning conditions. Educators believe that these breaks will lead to improved concentration and academic performance. school holidays UAE are now more frequent and strategically placed.

Variations Between public and Private Schools

While the MoE calendar serves as a guideline, private schools in the UAE have some flexibility, especially those following international curricula.

British Curriculum Schools: Frequently enough align closely with the UK school calendar, potentially resulting in slightly different dates for term start and end times.

American Curriculum Schools: May begin and end their academic year earlier than schools following the MoE calendar.

IB Curriculum Schools: Typically adhere to a different schedule dictated by the International Baccalaureate organization.

It’s crucial to check the specific calendar provided by your child’s school to confirm exact dates. Most schools publish their calendars well in advance on their websites or through parent communication channels.