The Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates has released the official school calendar for the 2025–26 academic year, revealing one of the most generous holiday schedules in the region. According to the new calendar, students will benefit from a total of 135 days off, providing ample time for rest, family activities, and cultural celebrations.
The academic year will span 313 days, of which 178 will be dedicated to instructional time. The remaining 135 days encompass weekends, public holidays, and term breaks. Specifically, the school year includes 68 weekends, four public holidays, and multiple midterm and seasonal breaks. Students will have seven days for the first-semester midterm, five days for the second-semester midterm, and seven days for the third-semester midterm. Additionally, there will be a 30-day winter holiday and a 14-day spring break.
The calendar has been thoughtfully structured to align with major cultural and religious events in the UAE. For example, Eid Al Fitr will coincide with the spring break, allowing families to celebrate together. Eid Al Adha has been scheduled to fall during the third-term midterm, while New Year’s Day will be included in the winter holiday period. This synchronization ensures that students can observe important occasions without conflicting with their academic commitments.
Education authorities have emphasized that the calendar balances academic rigor with wellbeing. “The 2025–26 schedule provides students with enough instructional days to cover the curriculum while also offering generous periods for rest and cultural observances,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education stated. By carefully structuring breaks and aligning them with national and religious events, the calendar aims to enhance student engagement and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The extended winter holiday of 30 days is among the highlights of the calendar, providing families with a long period for travel, cultural experiences, and leisure activities. The spring break, lasting 14 days, also offers students a chance to recharge before completing the final term. Midterm breaks have been incorporated throughout the year to allow for reflection and academic consolidation. These scheduled intervals can help prevent burnout and improve overall learning outcomes.
The UAE’s approach to the 2025–26 academic calendar reflects a broader regional trend toward balancing education with personal and cultural wellbeing. Compared with neighboring countries, the total number of days off is substantial, underscoring the importance placed on family, tradition, and student welfare. By aligning academic schedules with major holidays and providing regular breaks, the Ministry of Education aims to foster both academic excellence and personal growth.
In addition to its focus on wellbeing, the calendar supports logistical planning for schools, families, and extracurricular activities. With clear timelines for holidays and midterms, parents can organize family vacations, students can plan study schedules, and schools can coordinate extracurricular programs effectively.
Overall, the UAE’s 2025–26 school calendar represents a comprehensive effort to create a supportive, culturally aligned, and well-structured academic environment. By combining a robust number of instructional days with thoughtfully scheduled breaks, the Ministry of Education aims to enhance the overall educational experience while respecting the country’s rich cultural and religious traditions.
