Academic Calendar for UAE Public & Private Schools (2025–2026): Everything Parents Need to Know
June 25, 2025, 5:51 p.m.
School Holidays & UAE Academic Calendar 2025–2026 Guide
Planning your child’s school year in advance can make a big difference. Whether you’re booking travel during school holidays, enrolling your child in exam prep, or arranging extra classes, knowing the academic calendar helps you stay one step ahead.
In the UAE, schools follow two main academic schedules depending on the curriculum.
This blog breaks down everything parents need to know about school start dates, holidays, exams, and summer vacations for both public and private schools across the country.
This calendar applies to all public schools and private schools that follow the Ministry curriculum. It includes important information such as term dates, exam timelines, holidays, and the minimum number of school days required.
Two Types of School Calendars in the UAE
In the UAE, not all schools follow the same schedule. Here's how it works:
September-Start Schools
These include most public schools and private schools offering British, American, IB, or Ministry of Education curricula.
Academic Year: Late August 2025 – Late June 2026
Common in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates
April-Start Schools
These include schools that follow the Indian (CBSE), Pakistani, or Japanese curriculum.
Academic Year: April 2025 – March 2026
Popular among Indian schools across the UAE
Key Dates for the 2025–2026 School Year
For September-Start Schools
School Reopens: Monday, 25 August 2025
Winter Break: 15 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Spring Break: 23 March – 12 April 2026
End of Term: Friday, 26 June 2026 or later
For April-Start Schools (Indian Curriculum)
School Reopens: Monday, 7 April 2025
Summer Break: 30 June – 24 August 2025
Winter Break: 15 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
End of Term: March 2026 (exact dates may vary)
All schools must have a minimum of 182 instructional days, as required by education authorities.
School Holidays and Vacations in the UAE
School Holiday Calendar (2025–2026)
Event
Dates
First Day of School
25 August 2025 (Sept-start schools)
Winter Break
15 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Spring Break
23 March – 12 April 2026
Summer Vacation
From 26 June 2026 (varies by school)
Indian School Break
30 June – 24 August 2025
Schools also close for public holidays like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day.
These dates change each year based on official announcements and moon sightings, so schools usually confirm them closer to the holiday.
Summer Vacation in the UAE
Summer vacation is the longest school holiday in the UAE. It usually starts from the end of June and lasts until late August, giving families nearly eight weeks to plan travel, attend summer camps, or let students join enrichment programs.
Indian schools have an earlier break, from 30 June to 24 August 2025, with classes continuing until March the following year.
Exam Schedules
MoE and International Schools: Final exams are usually held in June.
Indian Curriculum Schools: Exams typically take place between February and March.
Keep in mind that during Ramadan, schools shorten their daily hours to around 5 hours to accommodate fasting students.
When Do Indian Schools Open in the UAE?
Indian curriculum schools in the UAE will reopen for the new academic year on Monday, 7 April 2025. After summer break (from 30 June to 24 August 2025), students return to class on Monday, 25 August 2025.
Always check with your school for the latest updates or minor calendar changes.
Thoughts for Parents in UAE
Whether your child is in a CBSE school in Sharjah or an IB school in Dubai, knowing the academic calendar can help you stay organised throughout the year.
Remember, all schools must meet the required number of instructional days, and public holidays may lead to calendar changes.
Make sure to check your child’s school website or contact the school administration for the most accurate and updated information.
Support Your Child’s Learning with Interval Learning
At Interval Learning, we align our personalised one-on-one tuition programs with your child’s school calendar, whether they follow a Ministry, British, American, or Indian curriculum.
From subject support to exam preparation, we help students stay on track and reach their academic goals, no matter when their school year starts.
Most schools reopen on 25 August 2025, while Indian curriculum schools start earlier on 7 April 2025.
For most schools, summer break starts from 26 June 2026. For Indian schools, it runs from 30 June to 24 August 2025.
Summer vacation typically lasts up to 8 weeks, depending on the school’s curriculum.
Final exams are held in June for most schools and February–March for Indian curriculum schools.
Yes. Schools close for Islamic and national holidays, which are confirmed by the UAE government closer to the dates.
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