UAE Schools Announce Academic Schedule for 2026-27

Public and private schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are scheduled to resume classes on August 31, 2026, for the 2026-27 academic year. Schools across the country will largely adhere to the unified academic calendar, although some private institutions may vary their term dates based on emirate regulations and the chosen curriculum.

Critical dates include the first-term break from October 12-18, 2026; the winter break from December 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027; spring break from April 5-11, 2027; and the academic year concluding on July 2, 2027. Schools operating under the unified calendar are mandated to provide a minimum number of instructional days, while private schools in Sharjah follow the emirate’s guidelines, and those adhering to Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi curricula may have distinct schedules.

For instance, Indian-curriculum schools typically commence their year in April and conclude in March, requiring completion of at least 182 instructional days. Parents should also consider public holidays, such as Eid Al Fitr (March 8-12, 2027), Eid Al Adha (May 15-18, 2027), and the Islamic New Year (June 6, 2027), which may affect school schedules.

Sharjah's private schools will similarly kick off the 2026-27 academic year on August 31, 2026, with an anticipated end date of July 1, 2027. Further details, including scholarship opportunities, can be explored on the EduNation website.