One Unified Curriculum Framework Across the UAE

In a landmark step toward educational consistency, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced that all private schools in the emirate—regardless of curriculum—will now follow a unified academic calendar starting from the 2025–2026 school year.

This means that schools offering British, American, Indian, International Baccalaureate (IB), and other curricula will all begin and end their terms on the same dates, with synchronized holiday breaks and vacation periods. The reform marks the first time such uniformity has been implemented across Sharjah’s diverse private education landscape.

Greater Clarity for Parents and Students

The move comes in response to years of feedback from parents who struggled with different school schedules when siblings attended schools with varied curricula. With unified term dates, families will now enjoy coordinated vacations, making travel, childcare planning, and extracurricular activities more manageable.

SPEA has also launched a comprehensive FAQ and dedicated online resources to help parents, educators, and school administrators understand the transition. The guidelines include detailed explanations about term start dates, holiday durations, and exceptions for special programs or international examinations.

Part of a National Vision

Education experts note that the reform aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of creating cohesive, world-class education systems. A similar effort was seen earlier with the rollout of the Emirati School Model, which unified teaching standards and curricula across public and some private schools.

Sharjah’s step now sets a precedent for other emirates, fostering a more balanced academic rhythm across the country. This will not only support parents and students but also improve coordination between schools, government bodies, and higher education institutions.

Building Toward the Future

By streamlining academic calendars, the UAE aims to reduce administrative confusion, improve student well-being through predictable breaks, and reinforce its reputation as a global education hub. Experts also believe that the consistency will benefit international families relocating to the UAE, as it reflects stability, foresight, and efficiency in the education system.

As the 2025–2026 academic year approaches, SPEA has assured parents that all private schools are fully aligned and prepared to implement the new system, ensuring a smooth start to the term for students across the emirate.