Indian curriculum schools in the UAE will transition to the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) unified academic calendar starting April 2026, marking a significant shift from their traditional April–March cycle. The change, however, was not implemented this year as schools had already commenced their academic sessions. Principals emphasized the need for a structured transition to ensure minimal disruption to academic rigor and compliance requirements. Seema Umar, principal of Dewvale School in Dubai, highlighted that the school has planned the current academic year to conclude as scheduled, with preparations underway for a seamless shift in 2026–27. This includes adjusting curriculum pacing, assessment timelines, and operational routines. Umar stressed the importance of clear communication with families, offering orientation sessions, parent notes, and student wellbeing measures to ease the transition. Anita Singh, principal of Global Indian International School (GIIS) Dubai, outlined a three-pronged approach to protect students’ academic experience, ensuring routines are adjusted only where necessary. Internal exams will be rescheduled to maintain board readiness, with mock exams and revision plans adapted accordingly. Nargish Khambatta, principal of GEMS Modern Academy, confirmed that the unified calendar will not affect Indian curriculum schools until April 2026, allowing them to continue their established practices, including the December term for board-exam preparation and winter break activities. The phased implementation aims to keep all stakeholders informed and supported throughout the transition.