UAE's university calendar 2025-2026: Holidays, semesters explained
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in UAE (MoHESR) has announced a new academic calendar structure for the 2025–2026 academic year, following approval from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.
The changes will apply to all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) across the UAE, reflecting a nationwide effort to enhance the higher education landscape.
Read-
The revised calendar introduces unified term dates, including synchronised start and end dates, with holidays aligned closely to the school calendar. According to MoHESR, the goal is to create a more balanced academic environment that supports student wellbeing, fosters family cohesion, and promotes community engagement,
Flexible structure, aligned with national goals
The academic year will begin on August 25, 2025 and end on July 3, 2026, offering a clearer and more consistent structure across institutions. Major breaks include:
A four-week winter break from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026, with classes resuming on January 5.
A two-week spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026, with classes resuming on March 30.
These changes are designed to support students by providing regular intervals for rest and recovery during the academic year.
Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasised that the updated calendar reflects the ministry's broader commitment to student wellbeing and institutional efficiency.
'This step reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the higher education system by aligning academic policies with community development goals and student needs,' said Dr Al Awar. 'The changes mark a qualitative shift toward a more flexible, balanced system that supports students' wellbeing, community engagement, and personal growth.'
Institutional flexibility with unified framework
While the calendar is standardized, the ministry is allowing institutions a degree of flexibility. HEIs may adjust holiday start dates by up to one week before or after the designated dates, as long as the total duration remains the same. Additionally, universities can determine the end date of the academic year based on the requirements of summer semesters and the nature of their academic programs.
International branch campuses may align their calendars with those of their home institutions, provided they meet the ministry's regulatory framework.
The adoption of the new calendar is part of MoHESR's broader strategy to elevate the quality and accessibility of higher education across the country. It supports the goals of the 'Year of Community' initiative by creating conditions for stronger family ties and more engaged student life.
'The unified academic calendar is a key milestone in our national mission to prepare future-ready graduates equipped with the skills and creativity needed in critical sectors,' MoHESR said in a statement.
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Image credit: Getty Images The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in UAE (MoHESR) has announced a new academic calendar structure for the 2025–2026 academic year, following approval from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The changes will apply to all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) across the UAE, reflecting a nationwide effort to enhance the higher education landscape. Read- The revised calendar introduces unified term dates, including synchronised start and end dates, with holidays aligned closely to the school calendar. According to MoHESR, the goal is to create a more balanced academic environment that supports student wellbeing, fosters family cohesion, and promotes community engagement, Flexible structure, aligned with national goals The academic year will begin on August 25, 2025 and end on July 3, 2026, offering a clearer and more consistent structure across institutions. Major breaks include: A four-week winter break from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026, with classes resuming on January 5. A two-week spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026, with classes resuming on March 30. These changes are designed to support students by providing regular intervals for rest and recovery during the academic year. Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasised that the updated calendar reflects the ministry's broader commitment to student wellbeing and institutional efficiency. 'This step reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the higher education system by aligning academic policies with community development goals and student needs,' said Dr Al Awar. 'The changes mark a qualitative shift toward a more flexible, balanced system that supports students' wellbeing, community engagement, and personal growth.' Institutional flexibility with unified framework While the calendar is standardized, the ministry is allowing institutions a degree of flexibility. HEIs may adjust holiday start dates by up to one week before or after the designated dates, as long as the total duration remains the same. Additionally, universities can determine the end date of the academic year based on the requirements of summer semesters and the nature of their academic programs. International branch campuses may align their calendars with those of their home institutions, provided they meet the ministry's regulatory framework. The adoption of the new calendar is part of MoHESR's broader strategy to elevate the quality and accessibility of higher education across the country. It supports the goals of the 'Year of Community' initiative by creating conditions for stronger family ties and more engaged student life. 'The unified academic calendar is a key milestone in our national mission to prepare future-ready graduates equipped with the skills and creativity needed in critical sectors,' MoHESR said in a statement.
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