The academic calendar notes important dates throughout the academic year.
MBZUAI’s year is divided into two main semesters: Fall and Spring.
Classes are held Monday through Friday with the weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Day | Date | Event |
Monday – Friday | August 11 to August 15 | Students’ Onboarding and Orientation Program |
Monday | August 18 | First day of classes |
Friday | August 29 | Last day to add / drop courses |
Friday | October 17 | Withdrawal deadline |
Monday – Friday | November 10 to November 14 | Registration for Spring 2026 Semester |
Friday | November 21 | Last day of classes |
Monday – Thursday | November 24 to November 27 | Final Exams period |
Friday | December 19 | Grades Announcement |
November 28 2025 to January 9 2026 | No classes. |
The official holidays observed by the University during the Fall 2025 semester:
Occasion | Date | Holiday duration |
Prophet Mohammed Birthday | Friday, September 5 | One day |
Commemoration Day | Monday, December 1 | One day |
UAE National Day | Tuesday December 2nd and Wednesday December 3rd | Two days |
Day | Date | Event |
Monday | January 12 | First day of classes |
Friday | January 23 | Last day to add / drop courses |
Friday | March 13 | Withdrawal deadline |
March 16 to March 20 | No Classes | |
Monday – Friday | April 13 to April 17 | Registration for Fall 2026 Semester |
Friday | April 24 | Last day of classes |
Monday – Thursday | April 27 to April 30 | Final Exams period |
Monday | May 18 | Grades Announcement |
May to August 15 | No classes, however, summer school courses may be provided on a case-by-case basis. |
The official holidays observed by the University during the Spring 2026 semester:
Occasion | Date | Holiday duration |
New Year’s Holiday | Thursday, January 1 | One day |
Eid Al Fitr | Wednesday March 18 to Friday March 20 | Three days |
Some of the above dates are subject to change.
Please contact the Registrar’s office for the most up-to-date version.