UAE announces academic calendar for higher education through 2029

Unified academic calendar aligned with national education directives

The decision was issued in line with the directives of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council and aims to unify the academic calendar across schools and higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE. It applies to all federal and private HEIs within the country, while allowing international branch campuses to align their academic year start and end dates with those of their parent institutions abroad.

HEIs are granted flexibility to determine the start and end of the academic year based on programme requirements and the number and timing of summer semesters. Institutions may also adjust the start dates of scheduled breaks by up to one week before or after the specified dates, provided the total duration of the holiday remains unchanged.

Academic calendar for 2026–2027

The 2026–2027 academic year will begin on 31 August 2026. The winter break will run from 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, with classes resuming on 4 January 2027. The spring break will take place from 5 April to 9 April 2027.

The academic year will include a summer semester from 24 May to 2 July 2027 and will conclude on 2 July 2027.

Academic calendar for 2027–2028

The 2027–2028 academic year will begin on 30 August 2027. The winter break will run from 20 December to 31 December 2027, with classes resuming on 3 January 2028. The spring break is scheduled from 27 March to 31 March 2028.

The summer semester will take place from 22 May to 30 June 2028, with the academic year ending on 30 June 2028.

Academic calendar for 2028–2029

The 2028–2029 academic year will start on 28 August 2028. The winter break will run from 18 December to 29 December 2028, and classes will resume on 2 January 2029. The spring break will take place from 26 March to 30 March 2029.

The academic year will include a summer semester from 21 May to 29 June 2029 and will conclude on 29 June 2029.

Flexible structure to support academic planning and quality

The new framework introduces a more flexible and consistent structure for organising the academic year, with clearly defined semester timelines and a unified vacation schedule. This approach supports effective academic planning and enhances programme delivery across higher education institutions.

The structure allocates 16 teaching weeks for the first semester, 17 weeks for the second semester, and six weeks for the summer semester, excluding official holidays and scheduled breaks.

Supporting student experience and national education goals

The new academic calendar ensures a balanced distribution of study periods and breaks, enhancing students’ learning experience and strengthening the stability and efficiency of the higher education system. It also reflects the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment that promotes strong academic outcomes and prepares students for their future educational and professional pathways in line with national development priorities.