The UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced that, starting from the 2025–26 academic year, all schools, public and private, will follow the same academic calendar. It’s a simple change on paper, but for many parents, teachers, and students, it’s a big deal.

For years, families with children in different school systems have had to navigate a patchwork of term dates. One child might be starting exams while another is already on holiday. Some schools followed government schedules, others followed international boards. Planning a family trip, or even just a weekend, was a constant juggling act.

With this move, all that changes.

A Welcome Change for Parents

“I have three kids in three different schools,” said Sana Rahim, a mother living in Dubai. “Trying to line up their holidays was like solving a puzzle. I’m relieved. Finally, I won’t have to explain to my boss why I need leave three times in two months.”

Under the new calendar, all schools will start and end terms on the same dates. Public holidays, breaks, and exam periods will now follow a national schedule. While the content and curricula won’t change, the rhythm of the school year will finally be the same.

Why Now?

Officials say the change is part of a broader effort to create more consistency across the education system. It’s also about fairness.

“We want to give every student, regardless of which school they go to, the same structure,” the Minister of Education said during the announcement. “This is one way we can support families and improve coordination across the board.”

What It Means for Schools

For teachers and administrators, the change may take some adjustment, but many are on board.

“It makes staff training easier. It helps with organizing national events and exams. And honestly, it helps us feel more connected to the education system as a whole,” said Aliya Mansoor, a teacher at a private school in Sharjah.

Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Some international schools worry about how this might affect alignment with external exam boards. But so far, most schools appear ready to adapt.

A Step Toward Simplicity

The UAE’s education landscape is one of the most diverse in the world. This move doesn’t erase that; it just tries to bring a bit more order to the chaos. No more mismatched calendars. No more scattered term dates. Just one school year, for everyone. It may not sound revolutionary, but for thousands of families, it’s a long-overdue relief.