Qatar Revises School Holiday Schedule for 2026 Mid-Term Break

Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has officially announced a revision to the extended mid-term holiday dates for government schools, impacting the academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year.

According to the Ministry, the break originally scheduled for April 8–9 has now been postponed to April 22–23, 2026. The adjustment ensures that students will receive their holiday only after completing all mid-semester examinations, which are now set to take place between April 12 and April 21.

Strategic Adjustment for Academic Continuity

The Ministry emphasized that the decision aligns with its broader objective of maintaining a well-structured academic calendar while prioritizing students’ academic performance and well-being. By shifting the holiday to follow the exams, students can focus fully on assessments without interruption, and then enjoy a more meaningful break afterward.

This move reflects a growing trend in education systems globally ensuring that academic schedules are designed around optimal student productivity and mental recovery periods.

No Change for Private Schools

Importantly, the revised schedule applies only to government schools. Private institutions across Doha and the wider country will retain their original holiday dates of April 8–9, 2026, as outlined in their pre-approved academic calendars.

What This Means for Parents and Students

• Government school students: Exams first, holiday later (April 22–23)
• Private school students: Holiday remains unchanged (April 8–9)
• Families with children in both systems may need to plan accordingly due to differing schedules

A Focus on Educational Efficiency

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to organizing the academic year in a way that best serves the educational process. This adjustment is seen as part of a broader effort to enhance academic outcomes while ensuring students receive adequate rest after key assessment periods.