UAE Schools to Enjoy Nine-Day Eid al-Adha Break as Ministry Finalises Academic Calendar

Key facts

• The Ministry of Education announced the Eid al-Adha break for students, teachers, and administrative staff from May 25 to 29, 2026.
• Combined with weekends on May 23-24 and May 30-31, the break extends to nine days.
• Students return to school on June 1, with mock exams on June 15-16.
• Islamic New Year holiday falls on June 17, followed by final exams from June 24 to July 3.
• July 3 is the last day of school; makeup exams run July 6-9.
• End-of-year results released July 12-13; re-sit exams July 14-17; re-sit results announced July 20.
• Administrative and teaching staff undergo training from July 13-17, then begin summer leave on July 18.
• The crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah will be sighted on May 17; Eid al-Adha expected May 27 or 28.

Extended Break Ahead of Final Assessments

The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that the mid-term break for the third academic term, coinciding with Eid al-Adha, will run from Monday, May 25, to Friday, May 29, 2026. This five-day holiday applies to all students, teaching staff, and administrative personnel. When combined with the preceding weekend (May 23-24) and the following weekend (May 30-31), the break effectively becomes a nine-day hiatus from classes. The announcement follows the ministry's approval of the school calendar for the remainder of the academic year.

Timing Offers Respite Before Critical Exams

The holiday arrives just before students enter the final assessment phase, providing a short but strategic pause. School administrations have noted that this timing allows students to reorganise their academic priorities and prepare for upcoming tests. Upon returning on June 1, students will resume the third semester, with mock examinations scheduled for June 15 and 16. These mock tests aim to measure academic readiness and identify areas needing improvement, enabling schools to provide targeted support in a timely manner.

Islamic New Year and Final Exam Schedule

An official holiday for the Islamic New Year falls on June 17, immediately followed by the start of end-of-term examinations. These exams, running from June 24 to July 3, represent the most critical stage in evaluating student achievement across all grade levels. The ministry has designated July 3 as the last official school day for students, marking the conclusion of the academic year. Makeup examinations for the third term are scheduled from July 6 to 9, allowing students who did not pass certain subjects to meet requirements.

Results, Re-sits, and Staff Training

End-of-year results will be analysed and released on July 12 and 13, giving students and parents early access to outcomes. Re-sit examinations follow from July 14 to 17, with re-sit results announced on July 20. From July 13 to 17, the ministry has allocated time for specialised training programmes for administrative and teaching staff. These sessions aim to develop professional skills and improve workforce readiness for the upcoming academic year. Summer leave for staff begins on July 18, after all examination, results, and training duties are complete.

Crescent Sighting and Eid Date Determination

The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah in the UAE will take place on Sunday, May 17. Based on astronomical calculations, Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on either Wednesday, May 27, or Thursday, May 28, pending the official announcement. School leaders have emphasised that while Eid remains an important cultural moment, the priority continues to be protecting instructional time. Following recent regional disruptions, schools have clarified that the academic calendar remains largely fixed, though limited flexibility exists within set guidelines.

Discretionary Leave and Parental Guidance

Principals have the authority to grant up to three additional days of leave at their discretion. For example, if official Eid holidays fall from Monday to Wednesday, and considering that the weekend in Sharjah includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, a principal may declare Thursday a holiday to create a full week's break, provided the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) is informed. Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, confirmed this policy, noting that such decisions require notification to SPEA. Parents have been advised to stay updated on school-specific announcements as the holiday approaches.

The bottom line

• The Eid al-Adha break from May 25-29, combined with weekends, gives UAE school students and staff a nine-day holiday.
• This break is the last major pause before final exams, which begin June 24 after Islamic New Year on June 17.
• The academic year ends July 3, with makeup exams, results, and re-sits extending through July 20.
• Staff training runs July 13-17, followed by summer leave starting July 18.
• Eid al-Adha is expected on May 27 or 28, pending moon sighting on May 17.
• Principals can grant up to three extra leave days with SPEA notification in Sharjah.