Latest news with #AbdulrahmanAlAwar
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Today
UAE announces new calendar for university academic year 2025-2026
Following the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council's approval, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a new academic calendar structure to be implemented across all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) for the academic year 2025-2026, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the national education system. The new structure introduces key changes to end-of-term holidays to create a more flexible and consistent academic calendar across UAE-based HEIs. Aligned with the 'Year of Community' objectives, the structure aims to foster family cohesion and support students through a balanced distribution of study and break periods. Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, noted that the new academic calendar reflects the Ministry's commitment to creating an integrated university environment that meets student needs, enhances academic life and boosts student performance. Dr Al Awar added: "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. The changes mark a qualitative shift toward a more flexible, balanced system that supports students' well-being, community engagement and personal growth.' Under the new structure, the university academic year will start on 25 August 2025, with major holidays aligning with the school calendar. These include a four-week winter break from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with classes resuming on 5 January 2026, as well as a two-week spring break from 16 to 29 March 2026, with classes resuming on 30 March 2026. The academic year will end on 3 July 2025, offering a clearer and more balanced schedule that supports students' learning and wellbeing. All UAE-based higher education institutions must follow a unified academic year start and end date, with exceptions for international universities aligned with their home calendars. The mandate also allows flexibility in determining the start date of the academic year in line with the requirements of academic programs and specializations at higher education institutions, as well as flexibility in setting the end date of the academic year based on the timing of the summer semesters. While also allowing the flexibility to adjust the holiday dates by up to one week before or after the specified dates, provided the holiday duration remains unchanged. Adoption of the new academic calendar is a strategic move aligned with national efforts to advance higher education by offering a more flexible, high-quality experience that meets students' academic and personal needs. It reflects MoHESR's commitment to fostering an integrated learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential, prepares them for the future and equips them to contribute to national development with the skills and creativity needed across vital fields. WAM
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Business
UAE's university calendar 2025-2026: Holidays, semesters explained
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.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
UAE confirms new 2025–2026 university calendar: Key updates every students should know
All UAE public, private, and international branch Higher Education Institutions must follow the 2025–2026 academic calendar, except international universities aligned with home-country calendars/ Image: Pexels TL;DR UAE university year runs from 25 August 2025 to 3 July 2026, applying to all HEIs. Winter break is 8 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026; Spring break is 16–29 March 2026. Minor flexibility allowed: holidays can shift by up to one week, but durations stay fixed. New calendar aims to balance academics with wellbeing, family time, and national priorities. In a step that reflects the UAE's broader focus on harmonizing educational progress with community values, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has unveiled a revamped academic calendar for the 2025–2026 university year. The change, recently approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, will be applied across all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country. The new calendar structure introduces more consistent term schedules and better-aligned holiday breaks, reinforcing the government's commitment to creating a balanced, student-centered learning environment—especially in a year officially marked as the 'Year of Community.' A New Approach to the Academic Year Effective from the next academic cycle, the updated university calendar is designed to unify start and end dates across all HEIs in the UAE. The shift is aimed at improving educational efficiency, supporting students' mental and academic wellbeing, and ensuring family cohesion during major breaks. Key features of the new academic structure include: Academic Year Start: Monday, 25 August 2025 Winter Break: A four-week holiday from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 Classes resume on 5 January 2026 Spring Break: A two-week holiday from 16 to 29 March 2026 Classes resume on 30 March 2026 Academic Year End: 3 July 2026 These changes will bring the university calendar more in line with the national school system, allowing families with students in both sectors to enjoy synchronized breaks. Balancing Flexibility with Structure Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that the new schedule marks a 'qualitative shift' in how higher education institutions approach academic planning. He described it as a step toward a more flexible, integrated and student-focused academic system. '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,' Dr. Al Awar said. 'The changes mark a qualitative shift toward a more flexible, balanced system that supports students' well-being, community engagement and personal growth.' In line with this goal, universities will also be granted limited flexibility: Institutions can adjust start and end dates of the academic year based on their academic programs and summer semester schedules. Holiday dates may be shifted by up to one week earlier or later, provided that the total duration of each break remains unchanged. However, all HEIs, local or international, operating in the UAE are expected to adhere to the unified start and end dates, unless international universities are following home-country academic calendars, in which case exemptions may apply. Supporting Students and National Development The revised calendar is not just an administrative update, it represents a broader national effort to integrate education with societal wellbeing and long-term development. The Ministry states that the redesign is part of a strategic move to enhance the quality, relevance and responsiveness of higher education in the country. By balancing academic rigor with rest periods that align more naturally with students' rhythms, the new framework aims to: Foster family cohesion and community integration Enhance student wellbeing and academic performance Prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of the national and global workforce Provide institutions with the flexibility needed to support diverse academic models and specializations In a year when the UAE has designated 'community' as a national theme, the updated academic calendar reflects an effort to align educational planning with broader social priorities, offering a structure that supports both institutional goals and student wellbeing. FAQs: Q. Who must follow the new academic calendar? All public, private, and licensed higher education institutions in the UAE. Q. Are universities allowed to change start or end dates? Start date is fixed; end date and breaks can shift slightly based on programs. Q. What are the key term dates in the new structure? Start: 25 August 2025; End: 3 July 2026; breaks in December and March. Q. Do international branch campuses need to comply? Yes, unless their home country calendars require different term structures.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
UAE unveils new university academic calendar for 2025–2026: What students need to know
All UAE public, private, and international branch Higher Education Institutions must follow the 2025–2026 academic calendar, except international universities aligned with home-country calendars/ Image: Pexels TL;DR UAE university year runs from 25 August 2025 to 3 July 2026, applying to all HEIs. Winter break is 8 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026; Spring break is 16–29 March 2026. Minor flexibility allowed: holidays can shift by up to one week, but durations stay fixed. New calendar aims to balance academics with wellbeing, family time, and national priorities. In a step that reflects the UAE's broader focus on harmonizing educational progress with community values, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has unveiled a revamped academic calendar for the 2025–2026 university year. The change, recently approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, will be applied across all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country. The new calendar structure introduces more consistent term schedules and better-aligned holiday breaks, reinforcing the government's commitment to creating a balanced, student-centered learning environment—especially in a year officially marked as the 'Year of Community.' A New Approach to the Academic Year Effective from the next academic cycle, the updated university calendar is designed to unify start and end dates across all HEIs in the UAE. The shift is aimed at improving educational efficiency, supporting students' mental and academic wellbeing, and ensuring family cohesion during major breaks. Key features of the new academic structure include: Academic Year Start: Monday, 25 August 2025 Winter Break: A four-week holiday from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 Classes resume on 5 January 2026 Spring Break: A two-week holiday from 16 to 29 March 2026 Classes resume on 30 March 2026 Academic Year End: 3 July 2026 These changes will bring the university calendar more in line with the national school system, allowing families with students in both sectors to enjoy synchronized breaks. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Balancing Flexibility with Structure Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that the new schedule marks a 'qualitative shift' in how higher education institutions approach academic planning. He described it as a step toward a more flexible, integrated and student-focused academic system. '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,' Dr. Al Awar said. 'The changes mark a qualitative shift toward a more flexible, balanced system that supports students' well-being, community engagement and personal growth.' In line with this goal, universities will also be granted limited flexibility: Institutions can adjust start and end dates of the academic year based on their academic programs and summer semester schedules. Holiday dates may be shifted by up to one week earlier or later, provided that the total duration of each break remains unchanged. However, all HEIs, local or international, operating in the UAE are expected to adhere to the unified start and end dates, unless international universities are following home-country academic calendars, in which case exemptions may apply. Supporting Students and National Development The revised calendar is not just an administrative update, it represents a broader national effort to integrate education with societal wellbeing and long-term development. The Ministry states that the redesign is part of a strategic move to enhance the quality, relevance and responsiveness of higher education in the country. By balancing academic rigor with rest periods that align more naturally with students' rhythms, the new framework aims to: Foster family cohesion and community integration Enhance student wellbeing and academic performance Prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of the national and global workforce Provide institutions with the flexibility needed to support diverse academic models and specializations In a year when the UAE has designated 'community' as a national theme, the updated academic calendar reflects an effort to align educational planning with broader social priorities, offering a structure that supports both institutional goals and student wellbeing. FAQs: Q. Who must follow the new academic calendar? All public, private, and licensed higher education institutions in the UAE. Q. Are universities allowed to change start or end dates? Start date is fixed; end date and breaks can shift slightly based on programs. Q. What are the key term dates in the new structure? Start: 25 August 2025; End: 3 July 2026; breaks in December and March. Q. Do international branch campuses need to comply? Yes, unless their home country calendars require different term structures.
Al Etihad
23-07-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Following the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council's approval, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research unveils new calendar for university academic year 2025-2026
23 July 2025 20:41 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Following the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council's approval, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a new academic calendar structure to be implemented across all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) for the academic year 2025-2026, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the national education new structure introduces key changes to end-of-term holidays to create a more flexible and consistent academic calendar across UAE-based HEIs. Aligned with the 'Year of Community' objectives, the structure aims to foster family cohesion and support students through a balanced distribution of study and break Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, noted that the new academic calendar reflects the Ministry's commitment to creating an integrated university environment that meets student needs, enhances academic life and boosts student Excellency Dr. Al Awar added: '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. The changes mark a qualitative shift toward a more flexible, balanced system that supports students' well-being, community engagement and personal growth.'Under the new structure, the university academic year will start on 25 August 2025, with major holidays aligning with the school calendar. These include a four-week winter break from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with classes resuming on 5 January 2026, as well as a two-week spring break from 16 to 29 March 2026, with classes resuming on 30 March 2026. The academic year will end on 3 July 2025, offering a clearer and more balanced schedule that supports students' learning and wellbeing. All UAE-based higher education institutions must follow a unified academic year start and end date, with exceptions for international universities aligned with their home calendars. The mandate also allows flexibility in determining the start date of the academic year in line with the requirements of academic programs and specializations at higher education institutions, as well as flexibility in setting the end date of the academic year based on the timing of the summer semesters. While also allowing the flexibility to adjust the holiday dates by up to one week before or after the specified dates, provided the holiday duration remains unchanged. Adoption of the new academic calendar is a strategic move aligned with national efforts to advance higher education by offering a more flexible, high-quality experience that meets students' academic and person
