The UAE Ministry of Education Announces Changes to Academic Calendar and Assessments

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in the UAE has stated that Term-2 grades for students in government schools will be determined based on ongoing assessments, projects, and assignments completed during the semester.

The ministry has specified that each private school will establish an appropriate method to conclude the semester and evaluate students in accordance with approved academic policies. Schools are required to communicate the chosen assessment method to students and parents, as per the ministry's directive.

This development comes after the Ministry of Education, along with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, decided to reschedule the spring break for all schools and universities.

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Authorities have confirmed that the spring break will now take place from Monday, March 9, to Sunday, March 22. This decision applies to both government and private schools, as well as universities, impacting students, teaching staff, and administrative personnel.

The 2025–2026 academic calendar had originally marked March 13 as the last day of classes for some schools, with holidays scheduled from March 16 to March 29 and classes resuming on March 30. However, due to the ongoing regional conflict and security concerns, authorities have opted to commence the spring break ahead of schedule.

Prior to this, the UAE had extended distance learning until Friday, March 6, as a precautionary measure amid the evolving regional security situation. Classes had transitioned online from Monday, March 2, to Wednesday, March 4, following the commencement of the Iranian offensive on Saturday, February 28.

The shift to online classes is a preventive step in light of regional tensions, particularly following missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against Gulf states, including the UAE, subsequent to the heightened tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Recently, CBSE postponed Class 10 and 12 Board Exams in the Middle East regions. Exams initially slated for Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6, in schools across Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have been postponed.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the board stated, “After a thorough assessment of the current situation in parts of the Middle East — Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — the Board has decided to postpone the examinations scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, and Friday, March 6, 2026, for both Class X and Class XII. The rescheduled dates will be announced later.” The Board will reassess the situation on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and make appropriate decisions regarding examinations scheduled from March 7 onwards.

ALSO READ

  • UAE announces early spring break for schools, universities

  • CBSE postpones some Class 10, 12 board exams for UAE students amid regional tensions

  • UAE announces public, private school academic calendar for the next three years

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