The Ministry of Education has approved the academic calendar for the next three years, covering 2026 to 2029, for public and private schools across the UAE.

The move is aimed at strengthening stability within the education system and enabling students, parents and educators to plan well in advance.

According to the Ministry, the three-year framework balances instructional time with quality learning outcomes, while taking educational and social considerations into account.

2026–2027 Academic Year

• Start date: August 31, 2026
• End date: July 2, 2027

Breaks:

• Mid-term break: October 12–18, 2026
• Winter break: December 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Spring break: April 5–11, 2027

2027–2028 Academic Year

• Start date: August 30, 2027
• End date: June 30, 2028

Breaks:

• Mid-term break: October 11–17, 2027
• Winter break: December 13, 2027 – January 2, 2028
• Spring break: March 27 – April 2, 2028

2028–2029 Academic Year

• Start date: August 28, 2028
• End date: June 29, 2029

Breaks:

• Mid-term break: October 16–22, 2028
• Winter break: December 11, 2028 – January 1, 2029
• Spring break: March 26 – April 1, 2029

Important guidelines

All schools are required to adhere to the approved mid-term break schedule. However, local education authorities may permit private schools that do not follow the Ministry’s curriculum to split the mid-term break between October and February, provided it does not exceed five school days and aligns with operational needs.

This exception does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which follow the emirate’s own regulatory framework.

The Ministry also emphasised that all schools must ensure students attend through the final week of each term, during which assessments and curriculum requirements will be completed.

Notably, the calendar does not apply to private schools following the Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula.

Why the three-year plan matters

The Ministry said the extended academic outlook is designed to enhance readiness, improve long-term resource planning, and provide greater clarity for families across the UAE.

By confirming start and end dates well in advance, authorities aim to support schools as key pillars in preparing future generations, while giving parents more certainty for travel, enrolment and academic planning decisions.

The UAE’s Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council is working on a new regulatory framework to govern children’s use of social media, as part of broader efforts to create a safer and more balanced digital environment for future generations.

The initiative was discussed during a council meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Council.

Sheikh Abdullah said that regulating children’s use of social media is a national responsibility that requires clear and structured frameworks aligned with rapid technological advancements. He emphasised that these frameworks must be robust enough to protect young users while keeping pace with ongoing digital transformation.

Age-based regulations under review

According to the council, the next phase will involve careful evaluation through a phased, risk-based implementation strategy. This includes introducing age-based access regulations tailored to the developmental needs of different age groups.

The proposed approach aims to balance regulation with empowerment, ensuring children can benefit from modern technologies while being safeguarded from potential risks.

Cross-sector coordination

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of strengthening community awareness and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The framework is expected to involve collaboration across social, technical, educational, security, media and health sectors to ensure an integrated and effective approach.

Officials said the initiative is part of wider national efforts to promote digital safety for children. Discussions also covered the development of education policies and curricula, as well as the results of students’ standardised assessments.

The council underscored the need for responsible digital engagement, stressing that future policies must combine appropriate safeguards with education and awareness to support children’s well-being in an increasingly connected world.

Parents planning to enrol their children in British curriculum schools in the UAE now have added flexibility for the 2026–2027 academic year, but it comes with important conditions.

The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that children who do not turn three by the start of the academic year may still be considered for Foundation Stage 1 (FS1), provided they meet specific criteria.

What’s Changed?

Previously, the age cut-off for FS1 admissions was August 31. That cut-off has now been extended to December 31.

Under the updated rule:

• Children born between September 1 and December 31 may undergo a school-led readiness assessment
• The assessment will be conducted after consultation with parents
• Placement will depend on the child’s developmental readiness

For the 2026–2027 academic year only, parents and schools can jointly decide whether FS1 or FS2 is the most suitable option for children born between September 1 and December 31, 2022, based on the school’s evaluation.

Important: No Grade Transfers Later

The Ministry clarified that once a child is enrolled in a grade, they cannot be moved to another grade later. This makes the initial placement decision particularly important for parents.

What About Other Curricula?

The Ministry also addressed concerns affecting other curricula, especially for children born between September 1 and December 31, 2021, who were not eligible for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Those students will now be able to register in Kindergarten 1 (KG1) for the 2026–2027 academic year.

What Parents Should Do Next

If your child falls within the September–December birth window:

• Speak directly with your shortlisted school
• Ask about the readiness assessment criteria
• Consider developmental milestones carefully before confirming placement

With no option to shift grades later, this year’s flexibility offers opportunity, but also requires careful planning.