The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has approved the academic calendar for higher education institutions (HEIs) for the next three years: 2026-2027, 2027-2028 and 2028-2029.
The decision was issued in line with the directives of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council and supports the unification of the academic calendar across schools and HEIs. It applies to all UAE-based federal and private HEIs, while allowing international branch campuses to align their academic year start and end dates with their parent campus calendars.
HEIs are granted flexibility in setting the start and end dates of the academic year based on programme requirements and according to the number and schedule of summer semesters. They may also adjust the start date of breaks by up to one week before or after the specified dates, provided the holiday duration remains unchanged.
Academic calendar overview for the next three years
2026-2027
The academic year starts on 31 August 2026. Winter break runs from 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, with classes resuming on 4 January 2027. Spring break takes place from 5 April to 9 April 2027. The academic year includes a summer semester from 24 May to 2 July 2027 and ends on 2 July 2027.
2027-2028
The academic year starts on 30 August 2027. Winter break runs from 20 December to 31 December 2027, with classes resuming on 3 January 2028. Spring break is scheduled from 27 March to 31 March 2028. There will be a summer semester from 22 May to 30 June 2028 and the academic year ends on 30 June 2028.
2028-2029
The academic year begins on 28 August 2028. Winter break runs from 18 December to 29 December 2028, with classes resuming on 2 January 2029. Spring break takes place from 26 March to 30 March 2029. The academic year includes a summer semester from 21 May to 29 June 2029 and ends on 29 June 2029.
The new structure improves academic year flexibility and organisation
The new structure introduces a more flexible and consistent framework for organising the academic year, with clear semester start and end dates and a unified vacation schedule. This supports effective academic planning and improves programme delivery across higher education institutions. It allocates 16 teaching weeks for the first semester, 17 for the second semester and six for the summer semester, excluding official holidays and breaks from the total teaching weeks.
The new academic 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. It also reinforces MoHESR’s commitment to a balanced university environment that promotes solid academic outcomes and prepares students for their future educational and professional paths, in line with national development priorities.
25/02/2026