20-day countdown begins for UAE students' return to classrooms

The academic year for students in public and private schools across the UAE, following the Ministry of Education's curriculum, is set to begin on 31 August 2026. The Ministry's issued calendar outlines the school terms, holidays, examinations, and national assessments until July 2027. Administrative and teaching staff will return to work one week prior, on 24 August.

The schedule allocates 185 instructional days across three terms, with 67 days in the initial term, 60 days in the second, and 58 days in the third term, according to Al Khaleej newspaper. The first term will encompass the Arabic Baseline Assessment (ABA), diagnostic assessments, and the Standardised Proficiency Assessment (SPA), alongside a mid-term break prior to final exams.

Winter break commences on 14 December, while staff begin their holiday on 21 December. The second term kicks off on 4 January 2027, marking the announcement of first-term results and the commencement of final school assessments. This period also includes the Eid Al Fitr holiday and a spring break starting on 5 April. The third term begins on 12 April, during which schools will partake in the main TIMSS 2027 international assessment, complete remaining SPA assessments, and hold mock examinations in preparation for end-of-year tests.

Final examinations are scheduled from 21 to 30 June, followed by supplementary and resit exams before the final results are released. The final school day for students is set for 2 July 2027, while teaching staff will continue working until 16 July, after which they will embark on a summer break on 19 July, completing professional development programs and final administrative tasks.

The Ministry aims to provide schools, students, and parents with a clear roadmap for the year, facilitating early planning for crucial academic milestones, assessments, and school holidays.