Students and teachers across the UAE will begin their spring break earlier than originally planned following a joint announcement from the UAE Ministry of Education and the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
According to the announcement, spring break will now run from Monday, 9 March until Sunday, 22 March 2026, applying to students, academic and administrative staff across public and private schools and universities.
Classes and normal working hours are expected to resume on Monday, 23 March 2026.
Break Brought Forward by One Week
Under the UAE’s previously published academic calendar, spring break had originally been scheduled to take place from 16 March to 29 March 2026.
The newly announced dates effectively move the holiday forward by one week, while maintaining the same two-week duration.
While authorities have not framed the change as a formal adjustment to the academic calendar, the earlier break appears designed to capitalise on the timing of the existing holiday while minimising disruption to learning, particularly as many schools and universities have temporarily shifted to remote learning from home.
By bringing the break forward, students can begin their scheduled holiday immediately rather than navigating a period of interrupted classroom routines.
Helping Maintain Stability in the School Calendar
The move may also help ensure the remainder of the academic term continues more smoothly once students return to in-person learning later in March.
For families, the announcement provides clarity on the coming weeks, allowing parents and students to plan ahead for the mid-March break.
Spring break applies nationwide to all students and academic staff across public and private schools and universities, aligning institutions across the UAE on the updated schedule.
Schools and universities may continue to share further guidance with families and staff regarding administrative arrangements surrounding the break.
Get the latest news updates here.
