The 2026–2027 school year began across public schools and private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum on 31 August. The Ministry’s calendar also sets the first mid-term break for 12–18 October, with students returning on 19 October, giving families a confirmed schedule for the opening weeks of the academic year.

The details

The UAE’s 2026–2027 academic year began on 31 August 2026 for public schools and private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum.

The Ministry’s approved calendar sets the first mid-term break from 12 to 18 October, with schools resuming on 19 October. The school year is scheduled to end on 2 July 2027, with a winter break from 14 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 and a spring break from 5 to 9 April 2027 under the Ministry’s main calendar.

Private schools that do not follow the Ministry curriculum may have limited flexibility to adjust mid-term breaks, subject to approval by the relevant local education authority. Sharjah schools operate under separate local arrangements.

The confirmed dates are practically useful for families planning childcare, travel, transport and leave. The return to school also affects road traffic and school-zone activity across the emirates, although individual schools may publish additional operational details such as start times, bus arrangements and orientation schedules.