UAE Schools to Close for Nine-Day Eid Al Adha Break Ahead of Final Exams

Key facts

• Eid Al Adha and mid-term break runs May 25–29 for students, teachers, and admin staff.
• Combined with weekends (May 23–24 and May 30–31), the break extends to nine days.
• Students return to school June 1; mock exams are June 15–16.
• Islamic New Year holiday falls on June 17.
• End-of-term exams run June 24–July 3; July 3 is the last school day.
• Makeup exams for third term are July 6–9; results released July 12–13.
• Re-sit exams July 14–17; re-sit results announced July 20.
• Summer leave for staff begins July 18 after training programs July 13–17.

Extended Nine-Day Holiday Announced

The UAE Ministry of Education has declared that the mid-term break for the third semester, coinciding with Eid Al Adha, will run from May 25 to 29 for all students, teachers, and administrative staff. The announcement, published in Al Bayan newspaper, aligns with the ministry’s approved academic calendar for the final term. Because the preceding weekend falls on May 23 and 24 and the following weekend on May 30 and 31, the break effectively stretches into a nine-day holiday from classes. The schedule provides a short respite just before students enter the final assessment phase of the academic year.

Eid Al Adha Dates and Moon Sighting

The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah is scheduled for Sunday, May 17. Depending on the official announcement, Eid Al Adha 2026 is expected to fall on either Wednesday, May 27, or Thursday, May 28. The holiday period from May 25 to 29 covers both possible dates, ensuring a consistent break regardless of the moon sighting. Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, explained that principals can grant up to three additional days of leave at their discretion. For example, if official Eid holidays fall Monday to Wednesday, and the weekend in Sharjah includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, then Thursday may be declared a holiday to create a full week’s break, provided the Sharjah Private Education Authority is informed.

Academic Calendar and Exam Timeline

Students will return to classrooms on June 1 to resume the third semester. Mock examinations are scheduled for June 15 and 16, designed to assess academic readiness and identify areas needing improvement before the final exams. The official holiday for Islamic New Year falls on June 17, immediately followed by the start of end-of-term examinations from June 24 to July 3. The ministry has set July 3 as the last day of school for students, marking the end of the academic year. Makeup examinations for the third term will be held from July 6 to 9, allowing students who did not meet passing requirements a second chance. End-of-year results will be analyzed and released on July 12 and 13, ahead of re-sit examinations scheduled from July 14 to 17, with re-sit results announced on July 20.

Staff Training and Summer Leave

Following the conclusion of student assessments, the ministry has allocated July 13 to 17 for specialized training programs for administrative and teaching staff. These programs aim to enhance professional skills and improve workforce readiness for the upcoming academic year. Summer leave for staff will commence on July 18, after all responsibilities related to examinations, results, and training are completed.

Impact of Regional Disruptions on Calendar

Recent disruptions linked to the US–Israel–Iran war have prompted questions from parents and students about possible adjustments to this year’s Eid break. Schools have clarified that the academic calendar remains largely fixed, though limited flexibility exists within set guidelines. Leaders emphasize that while Eid is an important cultural moment, the priority continues to be protecting instructional time, alongside strengthening wellbeing support and structured academic catch-up plans as students return to classrooms.

Outlook for the Final Term

The extended nine-day break offers students a crucial opportunity to rest before the demanding final assessment period. With mock exams shortly after the return, and final exams beginning within weeks, the schedule is tightly packed. The ministry’s detailed calendar, including makeup and re-sit windows, aims to ensure that every student has a fair chance to complete the year successfully. As the academic year draws to a close, the focus shifts to both academic outcomes and staff development for the next cycle.

The bottom line

• The official Eid Al Adha and mid-term break is May 25–29, but with weekends it becomes a nine-day holiday.
• Moon sighting for Dhul Hijjah is on May 17; Eid likely on May 27 or 28.
• Students return June 1; mock exams June 15–16; final exams June 24–July 3.
• Last school day is July 3; makeup exams July 6–9; results July 12–13.
• Re-sit exams July 14–17; re-sit results July 20; staff training July 13–17.
• Regional war disruptions have not altered the academic calendar, but limited flexibility exists.