Education & Research

UAE Announces 9-Day School Holiday for Eid Al Adha and Mid-Term Break

The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed a combined mid-term and Eid Al Adha break for schools, giving students and staff an extended nine-day holiday later this month.

According to the approved academic calendar, the break will run from May 25 to May 29, covering both the third semester mid-term break and the Eid al-Adha holiday period.

Extended Break with Weekends

With weekends falling on May 23–24 and May 30–31, the total time off from classes will stretch to nine consecutive days, offering students a well-timed pause before final assessments.

The break comes just ahead of the final exam preparation phase, allowing students to rest before resuming academic activities.

Return to School and Exam Schedule

Students are scheduled to return to classrooms on June 1, after which:

Mock exams will take place on June 15–16
Islamic New Year holiday will fall on June 17
Final exams are set from June 24 to July 3

The academic year will officially conclude on July 3.

Eid Dates Subject to Moon Sighting

The exact dates for Eid Al Adha depend on the crescent moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah, expected on May 17. The festival is likely to fall on May 27 or May 28, subject to official confirmation.

Flexibility for Schools

School authorities have clarified that while the academic calendar remains largely fixed, limited flexibility exists:

School principals may grant up to three additional leave days
Adjustments must comply with regulatory guidelines, including coordination with bodies such as the Sharjah Private Education Authority

Balancing Holidays and Learning

Education leaders emphasised the importance of balancing cultural observances like Eid with maintaining instructional time and academic continuity.

Efforts will also focus on student wellbeing and structured catch-up plans as classes resume after the break.

The extended holiday offers students a chance to recharge before exams, while ensuring the academic schedule remains on track.