The UAE has announced the academic calendar for higher education institutions for the next three academic years. The move follows a similar announcement for public and private schools and aims to align academic schedules across the education sector.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research confirmed that the calendar applies to all federal and private institutions, while international branch campuses may align with their home institutions.
Key Academic Dates Overview
| Academic Year | Start Date | Winter Break | Classes Resume | Spring Break | Summer Semester | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 31 August 2026 | 21 Dec 2026 to 1 Jan 2027 | 4 Jan 2027 | 5 Apr to 9 Apr 2027 | 24 May to 2 July 2027 | 2 July 2027 |
| 2027 to 2028 | 30 August 2027 | 20 Dec to 31 Dec 2027 | 3 Jan 2028 | 27 Mar to 31 Mar 2028 | 22 May to 30 June 2028 | 30 June 2028 |
| 2028 to 2029 | 28 August 2028 | 18 Dec to 29 Dec 2028 | 2 Jan 2029 | 26 Mar to 30 Mar 2029 | 21 May to 29 June 2029 | 29 June 2029 |
Academic Structure and Teaching Weeks
The ministry confirmed that the academic structure will include 16 teaching weeks in the first semester, 17 weeks in the second semester and six weeks in the summer semester. Official holidays and breaks are excluded from the total teaching period.
The framework is designed to ensure consistency and improve academic planning across institutions.
Enhancing Student Experience and Stability
According to the ministry, the new calendar ensures,
“a balanced and well-structured academic framework that evenly distributes study periods and breaks, enhancing students’ learning and overall academic experience, supporting a broader vision to enhance the quality, stability and efficiency of the higher education ecosystem.”
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Further Reading:
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- Sheikh Hamdan Approves First Dubai Student Council to Empower Youth to Shape the Future of Education