When Is the Start of the New UAE School Year?
As the summer draws to a close, students in the UAE are preparing to head back to school in the coming weeks. The return to classrooms across the Emirates is set for Monday, August 26, marking the end of the long summer break for many pupils. The start of the academic year varies depending on the curriculum followed by each school.
For British and American schools in the UAE, the end of August signifies the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year. In contrast, Indian curriculum schools start their academic year in April, with the summer break serving as a mid-year pause in their calendar. The academic year in the UAE is structured into three terms, each including winter, spring, and summer breaks, with a minimum requirement of 182 school days set by the government.
The upcoming school year will see students enjoying a more than three-month term, with a winter break scheduled for December and a spring break in March. Additional breaks are allocated for key public holidays such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha throughout the year. While specific term dates may vary slightly among schools, the academic year must adhere to the minimum of 182 days.
Indian schools in the UAE, commencing their academic year in April, will align with the return date of August 28 from the summer break and share the winter holiday in December. The academic year for these schools will conclude in March 2025. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, responsible for regulating private schools, emphasizes the importance of schools completing at least 182 school days, allowing flexibility for schools starting the academic year in April.
The diverse academic calendar in the UAE caters to the different curriculums followed by schools, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for students. As the back-to-school season approaches, both students and educators are gearing up for another enriching academic year ahead.