Qatar Reveals Academic Calendar with More Holidays Until 2028

Qatar's education ministry announces an updated school calendar through 2028 featuring extended holidays including extra breaks during Ramadan.

Qatar has unveiled a revamped academic calendar that introduces new long weekends, extra holidays during Ramadan, and measures aimed at enhancing students' well-being. This revised schedule, approved by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), spans the school years from 2025 to 2028 and reflects national, cultural, and religious priorities.

The updated calendar applies to both public and private educational institutions across Qatar. It was formulated following extensive consultations and incorporates suggestions from the Shura Council to create a more unified academic environment throughout the nation while fostering better family planning opportunities.

Holiday Highlights in Qatar’s New School Calendar

The MOEHE's new academic timetable considers various educational, cultural, and national factors in its design. The mid-year break is now consistently placed in late December for all schools to facilitate better alignment nationwide.

A notable adjustment involves scheduling first-semester final exams before Qatar National Day. This shift allows students greater participation in national celebrations that emphasize identity and communal pride.

In line with considerations for students’ religious commitments during Ramadan, no mid-second-semester exams will occur during this holy month. The change helps students focus on worship and engage fully in social and cultural activities unique to Ramadan.

Moreover, additional days off are granted during Ramadan for the 2025–2026 and 2027–2028 academic years, complementing the official holiday period.

Supporting Student Well-being

The introduction of a "Test Day, Rest Day" system aims at easing exam stress among high school certificate students by ensuring they have sufficient time between tests for review and relaxation. This initiative supports mental readiness crucial for optimal performance during examinations.

Further promoting student welfare is a newly instituted long weekend break immediately following mid-second-semester exams each year. The calendar balances semester workloads while ensuring comprehensive coverage of curriculum content within the allocated school days.