Latest news with #HumanDevelopmentandCommunityDevelopmentCouncil
Gulf Today
3 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 Today
3 days ago
- General
- Gulf Today
UAE's Ministry of Education unveils new academic calendar for public and private schools
With the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a new school calendar for public and private schools across the UAE, effective for academic year 2025-2026. The new school calendar sets unified dates for the start of the Academic Year, end of the three terms and end of term breaks. The calendar applies to all public and private schools nationwide. These updates aim to support family cohesion and provide a balanced learning environment in line with the goals of the "Year of Community." Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, highlighted that the new school calendar marks a qualitative shift in managing the academic year, aligning with the Ministry's national approach to achieving the goals of the 'Year of Community' by creating a more balanced and socially connected educational system. Al Amiri added that the calendar now serves as a strategic national tool, reinforcing both educational quality and social cohesion. She also noted that consistent holiday dates will enable community, cultural and tourism entities to align their programmes with the academic schedule, strengthening the link between education and society. Implementation of the calendar begins on Aug.25, 2025, marking the start of the academic year 2025-2026. The first term will end with a four-week winter break from Dec.8, 2025 to Jan.4, 2026, with schools resuming on Jan.5 2026. This extended break offers students time to recharge after an intensive term and engage in national and community activities. The second term runs from Jan.5, 2026 through March 15, 2026, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026. Schools resume on March 30, 2026, except for private schools in Sharjah, which return on March 23, 2026. The third term starts on March 30, 2026 and ends on July 3, 2026, except in Sharjah, where it ends on July 2, 2026. The schedule ensures a balanced academic year that supports learning and student well-being. The new calendar introduces mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government's curriculum, offering regular short breaks to ease academic pressure. The first mid-term break runs from Oct.13 to 19, 2025, an early pause during the longest term. The second break falls between Feb.11 and 15, 2026, offering students a mid-term recharge. The third break is scheduled from May 25 to 31, 2026, aligning with the Eid Al Adha holiday. These short breaks aim to support students' well-being and strengthen family time throughout the academic year. The Ministry of Education has allowed private schools that do not follow the government's curriculum to schedule mid-term breaks in October and February, with each break not exceeding five consecutive days. These breaks must remain within the specified months and cannot be extended or shifted, ensuring alignment with the national calendar while accommodating schools' operational needs. The MoE stressed that all schools must follow the approved calendar, including holding final assessments or completing curriculum requirements in the last week of each term, to ensure students attend until the last school day. This excludes grades taking pre-scheduled international exams. It also emphasised that private schools following the government's curriculum must adhere to the centralised test calendar used in public schools. WAM
Dubai Eye
4 days ago
- General
- Dubai Eye
UAE announces unified school calendar for 2025–2026
The UAE's Ministry of Education has announced a new unified school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year, approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The calendar applies to all public and private schools nationwide, setting standardised dates for term starts, end of the three terms and end-of-term holidays. It aims to enhance family cohesion, promote student well-being and align with the goals of the 'Year of Community.' The new academic year officially begins on August 25, 2025, with the first term concluding with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026, with classes resuming on January 5. The second term runs until March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29, with the third term running from March 30 to July 3. Schools in Sharjah will reopen on March 23 for the third term and wrap up on July 2. To ease academic pressure, the calendar also introduces three mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government's curriculum: October 13 to 19, 2025 February 11 to 15, 2026 May 25 to 31, 2026, aligning with Eid Al Adha Private schools not following the national curriculum may schedule mid-term breaks in October and February, but each must not exceed five consecutive days and must remain within the designated months. The Ministry has emphasized that schools must adhere to the calendar, including conducting assessments through the final week of each term. Exceptions apply only to students sitting for international exams. The goal, officials say, is a more balanced and connected academic experience that supports both educational excellence and community well-being. Following the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council's approval . . Ministry of Education unveils new school calendar for Academic Year 2025-2026 — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) July 23, 2025
Hi Dubai
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hi Dubai
Ministry of Education Announces New Unified School Calendar for Academic Year 2025–2026
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has unveiled a new unified school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year, following approval from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The calendar applies to all public and private schools across the UAE and introduces aligned start and end dates for academic terms, new mid-term breaks, and a structure designed to promote student well-being and family unity. The academic year will officially commence on 25 August 2025. Students will begin their first term with a structured academic plan that concludes on 7 December 2025. A four-week winter break will follow, running from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Schools will resume classes on 5 January 2026. The second term will span from 5 January to 15 March 2026, with a two-week spring break from 16 to 29 March 2026. Classes resume on 30 March 2026, except in Sharjah, where private schools will reopen on 23 March 2026. The final term of the academic year will conclude on 3 July 2026 across the UAE, except in Sharjah where the school year ends a day earlier on 2 July 2026. In a move aimed at easing academic pressure, the new calendar introduces three mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government curriculum. The first break is set for 13–19 October 2025, followed by a second from 11–15 February 2026, and a third from 25–31 May 2026, which coincides with the Eid Al Adha holiday. These breaks are designed to give students regular opportunities to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with their families. For private schools not following the national curriculum, the Ministry has permitted limited flexibility. These schools may schedule two mid-term breaks, one in October and another in February, but each break must not exceed five consecutive days and must fall within the designated months. Minister of Education, Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, stated that the calendar reflects a shift toward building a more balanced academic structure that aligns with the goals of the 'Year of Community.' She emphasized that the calendar is now a strategic national tool to promote both educational excellence and social cohesion. All schools are required to adhere strictly to the calendar, including conducting final assessments in the last week of each term. Private schools following the government curriculum must also comply with the centralized test schedule used in public schools. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE confirms new school year dates for 2025–2026: Key changes every parent should know
UAE's 2025–2026 school year runs from August 25 to July 3, with three mid-term breaks and a winter holiday/ Image: Pexels TL;DR Unified school calendar for 2025–2026 announced Applies to all public and private schools across UAE Academic year runs 25 Aug 2025 – 3 July 2026 ( 2 July for Sharjah private schools ) Includes three mid-term breaks + four-week winter break for improved balance and well-being With just weeks to go before the start of the new school year, the UAE has introduced a significant change that will reshape how schools across the country plan their academic schedules. A newly approved unified calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year will take effect for all public and private schools nationwide. The move, approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, marks a key step in aligning the academic year across the country to better support students, families, and the broader community. A Calendar Designed for Balance and Unity The new academic calendar introduces fixed, unified dates for the start and end of the school year, term breaks, and holidays for every school in the UAE. This standardization is not just about convenience; it reflects a broader vision aligned with the country's 'Year of Community' initiative. By coordinating school schedules, the MoE aims to create an environment where students can thrive academically while also enjoying quality time with their families and participating in community life. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasized that this shift represents a 'qualitative change' in managing the school year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get Your Personalized IQ Certificate Today Try Now Undo She noted that the calendar now acts as a strategic national tool, enhancing educational quality and fostering social cohesion. Additionally, by aligning school holidays with community, cultural, and tourism activities, the calendar helps build stronger connections between education and society at large. Key Dates and Breaks for the Academic Year 2025-2026 The academic year officially begins on August 25, 2025. The calendar is structured around three terms, each thoughtfully spaced with breaks to ensure students have time to rest and engage with national events: First Term: August 25 to December 7, 2025 Followed by a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Schools reopen on January 5, 2026. This extended break offers students the opportunity to recharge after an intensive term and participate in community activities. Second Term: January 5 to March 15, 2026 Followed by a spring break from March 16 to March 29, 2026. Schools resume on March 30, 2026, with the exception of private schools in Sharjah, which return earlier on March 23, 2026. Third Term: March 30 to July 3, 2026 In Sharjah, this term concludes one day earlier, on July 2, 2026. This schedule is designed to balance academic rigor with student well-being, providing structured time for rest and family engagement throughout the year. Introducing Mid-Term Breaks to Reduce Academic Pressure A notable addition to the calendar is the introduction of mid-term breaks for both public and private schools following the government curriculum. These shorter breaks are strategically placed to help students manage academic pressure and maintain mental and physical wellness: First Mid-Term Break: October 13 to 19, 2025 Second Mid-Term Break: February 11 to 15, 2026 Third Mid-Term Break: May 25 to 31, 2026 (aligned with Eid Al Adha holiday) These mid-term pauses encourage students to recharge and spend quality time with their families, supporting the overall aim of a balanced and healthy academic experience. For private schools that do not follow the government curriculum, the MoE has allowed flexibility to schedule mid-term breaks within October and February. Each break must not exceed five consecutive days and cannot be shifted beyond these months. This ensures schools can meet operational needs while staying aligned with the national calendar. Ensuring Consistency and Compliance To maintain the integrity of the academic year, the MoE mandates that all schools strictly follow the approved calendar. This includes conducting final assessments and completing curriculum requirements during the final week of each term, ensuring students remain engaged until the last day of school. The only exception applies to grades involved in pre-scheduled international examinations. Moreover, private schools adhering to the government curriculum must align with the centralised testing calendar used by public schools, reinforcing a cohesive national approach to education standards. FAQs: Q. What are the official start and end dates of the academic year? The school year begins on 25 August 2025 and ends on 3 July 2026, except in Sharjah, where it ends on 2 July 2026. Q. Who does the unified calendar apply to? It applies to all public and private schools in the UAE, regardless of curriculum. Q. What are the main changes introduced in the calendar? Standardised term dates, a four-week winter break, and three new mid-term breaks across the year. Q. Are there exceptions or flexibility for some schools? Private schools not following the government curriculum may schedule October and February breaks (up to five days), but within strict limits to stay aligned with the national calendar.
