UAE school calendar 2026-27: Academic year begins August 31

The majority of public and private schools in the UAE follow a unified academic calendar for the 2026-27 academic year. Key dates include: Academic year begins August 31, 2026; first-term mid-term break October 12-18, 2026; winter break December 14, 2026–January 3, 2027; spring break April 5-11, 2027; and academic year ends July 2, 2027. Not every private school follows the unified calendar. Private schools in Sharjah operate under the emirate's own regulatory framework, while schools following alternative curricula, including some Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi curricula, may have different academic years and term dates. Some schools, particularly those following the Indian curriculum, begin their academic year in April rather than September. Public holiday dates include Eid Al Fitr (March 8-12, 2027), Eid Al Adha (May 15-18, 2027), and Hijri New Year (June 6, 2027). Parents should check directly with their child's school before making travel or holiday arrangements.