Families across the UAE are getting ready for the new school year, with students at most schools returning to classrooms on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The UAE Ministry of Education has already approved the academic calendar for 2026 to 2027, giving parents, students and schools clear dates for the start of classes, mid-term break, winter holidays, spring break and the end of the school year.
The calendar is part of a wider three-year framework covering the academic years through 2028 to 2029, allowing families to plan school schedules and holidays further in advance.
UAE School Calendar 2026 to 2027 at a Glance
- Here are the main dates parents should save:
- First day of school: August 31, 2026
- First term midterm break: October 12 to October 18, 2026
- Classes resume: October 19, 2026
- Winter break: December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Classes resume: January 4, 2027
- Spring break: April 5 to April 11, 2027
- Classes resume: April 12, 2027
- Last day of the academic year: July 2, 2027
These dates are included in the academic calendar announced by the UAE Ministry of Education.
When Do UAE Schools Reopen in 2026?
For students following the standard UAE academic calendar, the new school year begins on August 31, 2026.
Teaching and administrative staff return earlier, with the Ministry’s detailed calendar setting August 24 as the start date for school staff.
This gives schools time to prepare before students return for the first day of classes.
The August 31 date applies to public schools and schools operating under the Ministry calendar. Parents of children attending schools with different curriculum structures should confirm dates directly with their school.
When Is the First UAE School Break?
Students will not have to wait until December for their first scheduled break.
The first term mid term break runs from October 12 to October 18, 2026, with students returning to class on October 19.
The Ministry has also given local education authorities some flexibility for eligible private schools that do not follow the Ministry curriculum.
Where approved, certain schools may divide their mid term break between October and February. The total variation cannot exceed five school days.
Sharjah private schools are subject to their own regulatory arrangements.
UAE Winter School Holidays 2026
The main winter break for students begins on December 14, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027.
Students return to their classrooms on January 4, 2027.
The winter holiday period also covers New Year’s Day, meaning families planning international trips should consider both school dates and the expected busy travel period around the end of December.
Parents should always check their individual school calendar before confirming flights or accommodation.
UAE Spring Break 2027
The scheduled spring break for students runs from April 5 to April 11, 2027.
Classes resume on April 12, 2027.
The dates form part of the Ministry’s approved academic framework and provide another scheduled break before students enter the final months of the school year.
When Does the UAE School Year End in 2027?
The 2026 to 2027 academic year is scheduled to finish on July 2, 2027, for students following the standard calendar.
This means the academic year runs for more than ten months from the first day of classes on August 31.
The Ministry introduced the multi year calendar to provide greater stability and make it easier for parents, students and schools to plan ahead.
Do All UAE Schools Follow the Same Calendar?
No. This is an important point for parents.
The Ministry’s detailed 2026 to 2027 calendar applies to public schools and private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum.
Other private schools may operate under calendars approved by their local education authority.
Schools following some Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi curricula can also operate on a different academic cycle. Some begin their academic year in April and finish the following March.
Parents should therefore use the UAE calendar as a general guide but confirm the exact dates published by their child’s school before booking holidays.
Sharjah Private School Calendar 2026 to 2027
Private schools in Sharjah have specific arrangements under the Sharjah Private Education Authority.
Most applicable Sharjah private schools will also welcome students back on August 31, 2026.
Their winter break runs from December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with classes restarting on January 4.
The spring break is slightly different. It runs from April 5 to April 8, while students return on April 12.
The academic year for these schools is scheduled to end on July 1, 2027.
Schools following Indian and Pakistani curricula are exceptions to this Sharjah calendar.
What About UAE Public Holidays During the School Year?
Public holidays can create additional days away from school during the academic year.
Some Islamic holidays expected during the 2026 to 2027 school year include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and the Hijri New Year.
However, parents should avoid treating predicted Islamic holiday dates as confirmed school holidays months in advance.
Dates connected to the Hijri calendar can depend on official UAE announcements and the relevant lunar calendar process. Schools may provide updated schedules closer to each holiday.
Why Parents Should Check Their School’s Calendar
The national calendar gives families a reliable framework for planning the year, but individual school circumstances still matter.
Curriculum, emirate and local education authority requirements can affect certain dates.
Before booking a family holiday, parents should confirm the dates directly with their school, particularly if their child attends a private school following an alternative curriculum.
With the new academic year beginning on August 31, 2026, families now have the main dates they need to plan through the final school day on July 2, 2027.
For more updates about schools, public services and important developments across the Emirates, explore the latest UAE News on Prop Finder UAE.
