New University Calendar Announced for 2025–2026 in the UAE
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has shared a new academic calendar for all public and private universities in the UAE. This new plan will be used for the school year 2025–2026.
The changes were approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The new calendar will help students balance school and rest time, and support family life as part of the “Year of Community” in the UAE.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Acting Minister of Higher Education, said the new calendar will give students a better university experience. It aims to improve learning, support student wellbeing, and make academic life more flexible.
Important Dates for the University Year:
- Classes will start on 25 August 2025
- Winter break will last 4 weeks, from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
- Classes will resume on 5 January 2026
- Spring break will last 2 weeks, from 16 to 29 March 2026
- Classes will resume on 30 March 2026
- The academic year will end on 3 July 2026
All UAE universities will now follow this new calendar. However, some international universities in the UAE can still follow their home country’s schedule if needed.
There is also some flexibility. Universities can adjust the start and end of the academic year to match their study programs. They can also move holiday dates by one week before or after the official dates, as long as the length of the break stays the same.
This new calendar is part of a bigger plan to improve higher education in the UAE. It is meant to help students grow, learn better, and get ready for their future careers.
Stay with Arab Times News for more updates on education and student life in the UAE.
