UAE schools reopen August 31 as RTA launches bus safety drive

Schools across the UAE will reopen on Wednesday, 26 August, marking the start of the 2026–2027 academic year for the majority of public and private institutions. The unified academic calendar, followed by most emirates, schedules the first day of classes for 31 August, 2026, while private schools in Sharjah and those following specific international curricula will adhere to emirate-specific or curriculum-based frameworks. Key academic dates and holidays For institutions on the unified calendar, the first-term mid-term break is scheduled for 12–18 October, 2026. The winter break will run from 14 December, 2026, to 3 January, 2027, with classes resuming on 4 January. The spring break is set for 5–11 April, 2027, and the academic year is slated to conclude on 2 July, 2027. Sharjah private schools will wrap up their year one day earlier, on 1 July, 2027. Confirmed public holidays for the upcoming cycle include Eid Al Fitr (8–12 March, 2027) and Eid Al Adha (15–18 May, 2027). Health officials have urged parents to complete mandatory vaccinations, particularly MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) boosters, at least two weeks before the term begins to ensure immunity. Transport safety and schoolbag regulations In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a 30-day inspection campaign to verify the safety compliance of school buses. New transport options for the 2026 term include expanded e-hail services such as Careem School Rides and Uber Teens. Students holding a…