UAE School Academic Calendar 2026-2027 | Key Dates and Holidays
UAE Academic Calendar Structure 2026-2027
The UAE Ministry of Education divides the academic year into three terms for public schools. Private schools may follow slightly different calendars depending on their curriculum (American, British, IB, etc.).
UAE School Year 2026-2027 Overview
| Term | Approximate Period | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Late August – December 2026 | ~16 weeks |
| Term 2 | January – March 2027 | ~11 weeks |
| Term 3 | April – June 2027 | ~11 weeks |
Key UAE Public Holidays for School Calendar 2026-2027
| Holiday | Approximate Date |
|---|---|
| UAE National Day | December 2-3, 2026 |
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2027 |
| Eid Al Fitr | Late March 2027 (approx.) |
| Eid Al Adha | June 2027 (approx.) |
| Islamic New Year | Varies (lunar calendar) |
| Prophet's Birthday | Varies (lunar calendar) |
Private School vs Public School Calendars in UAE
Private schools in UAE often follow their home curriculum calendar:
- American Curriculum schools: August start, align with US academic year
- British Curriculum (GEMS, etc.): September start, 3 terms
- IB schools: August/September start
- Indian Curriculum (CBSE): April start, different term structure
Important Exam Dates to Note 2026-2027
- 📝 EMSAT Exams: October-December 2026, February-April 2027, June-July 2027
- 📝 IELTS Tests: Available almost every week at UAE test centers
- 📝 SAT Tests: Multiple dates — check College Board for UAE-specific dates
- 📝 Ministry Final Exams: End of Term 2 and Term 3
FAQ — UAE School Calendar 2026-2027
When does the UAE school year 2026-2027 start?
Public schools typically start in late August. Private schools vary — most start between August 25 and September 5, 2026. Check with your specific school.
How many days off do UAE students get?
UAE students typically get about 60-70 days of holidays per year including summer, national holidays, and mid-term breaks.
Where can I find the official UAE school calendar?
The official calendar is published by the UAE Ministry of Education at moe.gov.ae. Individual emirate education councils may have slightly different dates.
Plan your EMSAT or exam preparation around the UAE school calendar with elmadrasah.com
