Universities in the UAE reveal adaptable final term break schedules for academic calendar
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a new academic calendar for higher education institutions in the UAE for the 2025-2026 academic year. The calendar, unveiled on July 23, aims to create a balanced, student-focused academic schedule that integrates educational milestones with national social goals.
The academic year will commence on August 25, 2025, and conclude on July 3, 2026, providing a clearer and more consistent structure across all public and private universities nationwide. The calendar introduces unified term start and end dates, synchronized holidays, and mid-term breaks, fostering coherence and balance within the academic year.
A four-week winter break has been scheduled from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with classes resuming on January 5, 2026. This is the longest winter break in recent years and aims to support student well-being and recovery. A two-week spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026, has also been scheduled, allowing students rest and participation in community and cultural activities, with classes resuming on March 30.
International universities in the UAE are exempted from the unified academic year start and end date, as they will follow their home calendars. The structure is aligned with the 'Year of Community' objectives, aiming to enhance family cohesion, student well-being, and community engagement.
Holiday dates can be adjusted by up to one week before or after the specified dates, provided the holiday duration remains unchanged. The mandate for UAE-based higher education institutions allows flexibility in determining the start date of the academic year based on academic program requirements. Similarly, the mandate does not specify any changes to mid-term breaks for public or private schools.
The key changes in the unified academic calendar reflect a nationwide effort to create a balanced, student-focused academic schedule that integrates educational milestones with national social goals. The new academic structure aims to foster family cohesion and support students through a balanced distribution of study and break periods. The calendar aligns the university calendar closely with the unified school calendar and broader UAE social initiatives like the Year of Community.
In alignment with the 'Year of Community' objectives, the new academic calendar for higher education institutions in the UAE minimizes variations among public and private universities, with the structure designed to benefit students, families, and the community. The academic year, starting August 25, 2025, will conclude on July 3, 2026, integrating educational milestones with national social goals. The calendar introduces unified term start and end dates, synchronized holidays, and mid-term breaks, fostering coherence and balance within the academic year. A four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, emphasizes student well-being and recovery. Additionally, the calendar aligns university and school calendars, offering students opportunities for community and cultural engagement during a two-week spring break.
