The majority of public and private schools in the UAE follow a unified academic calendar, which sets standard dates for the start of the school year, terms and major holidays.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the key dates are:

Schools following the unified calendar are required to meet a minimum number of instructional days, with the framework providing greater consistency for families planning holidays and childcare.

Not every private school follows the unified calendar.

Private schools in Sharjah operate under the emirate's own regulatory framework, while schools following alternative curricula, including some Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi curricula, may have different academic years and term dates.

Parents should check directly with their child's school before making travel or holiday arrangements.

Some private schools may also be permitted to split a mid-term break between October and February, provided the total break does not exceed five school days and meets operational requirements.

Some schools, particularly those following the Indian curriculum, begin their academic year in April rather than September. These schools generally finish their academic year in March, provided they meet the required number of instructional days. The minimum requirement for these schools is 182 school days.

Public holiday dates based on the Islamic calendar may be subject to official confirmation.

The calendar applies to private schools in the emirate except those following Indian and Pakistani curricula.