KHDA releases 2025–2026 academic calendar for Dubai private schools

Dubai: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has released the official academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year for all private schools in Dubai.

According to the approved calendar, all private institutions — regardless of whether they follow an academic year starting in September or April — must strictly adhere to the set calendar. This includes specified start and end dates, as well as scheduled winter, spring, and summer breaks. A mandatory minimum of 182 instructional days is required.

For schools commencing the academic year in September, classes will begin on August 25, 2025. The winter break will start on December 15, with students returning to school on January 5, 2026.

The spring break is scheduled from March 23 to April 6. However, schools following the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum will resume classes on April 13. The academic year will end on June 26, 2026.

Schools operating on an April-start academic year will begin on April 7, 2025, break for summer on June 30, and resume classes on August 25. The winter break dates will be the same as those for September-start schools, and the academic year will conclude on March 31, 2026.

Both academic systems must meet the 182-day minimum requirement.

The KHDA added that dates for religious and national holidays — such as Eid and National Day — will be confirmed following official announcements from the UAE Government. Schools will communicate these closures on a provisional basis.

Parents are encouraged to visit the KHDA’s official website and consult the online school directory for detailed academic calendars specific to each institution.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Education has announced updated regulations concerning school uniforms and student appearance across the country for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year.

The new guidelines aim to reinforce national identity and promote discipline within school communities.

Students must wear the officially approved school uniform appropriate for their educational stage, ensuring it remains clean and presentable throughout the school day.

As per the new rules, students are required to wear black, flat, closed shoes along with white socks, in accordance with school-specific guidelines.

During physical education (PE) lessons, students must wear the designated sports uniform. Additionally, female students in preparatory and secondary levels may choose to wear black or white abayas outside the classroom, paired with matching headscarves.

The ministry has prohibited the use of cosmetics and brightly coloured nail polish. Furthermore, students’ hair length and style must align with local cultural norms, with only natural hair colours permitted.

School administrators will be responsible for monitoring compliance, notifying parents of any violations before taking further action.

The standardised school uniform will be available for purchase at approved retail outlets across the UAE.