UAE's new academic calendar adds up to 7 more school days per year

UAE schools will have up to 7 more days per year under the new three-year calendar. Winter break shortens from 4 to 3 weeks, and schools will follow 189 teaching days instead of 182-188. Key changes include: August 31 start date for 2026-2027, no February half-term break, and exams at the end of each term to discourage early holiday departures. Sharjah public schools and some private curriculum schools are exempt. Parents appreciate the advance notice for planning, though some educators are concerned about wellbeing impacts with fewer intermittent breaks. https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/02/25/what-the-new-academic-calendar-means-for-teachers-and-parents-in-the-uae/