The Ministry of Education has announced the provisional academic calendar for 2026, restoring the annual long school holiday to December in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s campaign pledge.
The change reverses the academic year schedule introduced in 2021 under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, when the school year began in August due to COVID-19 disruptions. That adjustment placed the long break during the southwest monsoon, a period many parents and teachers said disrupted traditional holiday plans.
According to the new schedule, the 2026 academic year will commence on January 27. A mid-term break is set for May 24–30, while the first term will conclude with holidays from July 17 to August 1. The second term will begin on August 2, and the year will end with the reinstated long holiday starting December 17. Classes for the 2027 academic year are scheduled to start on January 13, 2027.
The decision follows repeated public requests to return to the previous holiday structure, which many say better aligns with cultural and family traditions.
