Sipu Jha
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches (expected to begin on February 19, 2026), the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have structured a calendar that prioritizes both learning and spiritual reflection. This year’s schedule is uniquely balanced; out of the entire month of Ramadan, students will only attend full in-person classes for approximately eight days. The rest of the month is thoughtfully distributed between shorter school weeks, end-of-term assessments, and a significant holiday period that allows families to observe the traditions of the holy month together without the usual academic rush.
UAE school calendar: Ramadan 2026
| Week | Dates (Approximate) | School Status & Hours | Notes |
| Week 1 | Feb 19 – Feb 22 | Shortened Hours (Max 5 hrs) | Ramadan begins Thursday, Feb 19. |
| Week 2 | Feb 23 – Feb 27 | Shortened Hours (Max 5 hrs) | End-of-Term 2 assessments usually held here. |
| Week 3 | March 2 – March 6 | Shortened Hours / Remote Fridays | Focus on spiritual activities and core subjects. |
| Week 4 | March 9 – March 13 | Last Week of Classes | Schools prepare for the Spring Break transition. |
| Holiday | March 16 – March 27 | CLOSED (12-Day Holiday) | Spring Break begins; overlaps with end of Ramadan. |
| Eid Break | March 30 – April 1 | CLOSED | Expected Eid Al Fitr public holidays. |
Key timing rules to remember
- Morning Start: Schools generally start between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- The 5-Hour Rule: Instruction must end by 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM (depending on start time), ensuring a total of 5 hours max.
- The Friday Cut-off: All schools must dismiss students by 11:30 AM on Fridays to allow for Jumu’ah (Friday prayer) preparations
Advice for parents
For families planning around Ramadan:
- Confirm your school’s specific schedule, as some institutions may have slightly different start and end times for daily lessons.
- Be aware that exam schedules are largely unchanged and planned well ahead, so students should plan revision time accordingly.
- Ensure children bring meals if they are not fasting, since canteen services may not be available.
Officials have emphasised that the schedule changes are made with student well-being, family time, and religious observance in mind, maintaining both academic integrity and cultural respect throughout the holy month
Looking ahead
This year’s Ramadan schooling plan reflects the UAE’s broader effort to balance education with cultural values. By reducing full classroom days, offering flexible learning options on key days, and aligning holidays with existing breaks, schools are aiming to ensure students can fully experience this season without undue stress.As families prepare for Ramadan 2026, these calendar shifts are expected to help students, parents, and teachers manage their routines more comfortably while preserving both academic goals and the special nature of the holy month.
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