Academic Calendar 2026–27
The academic year at the University of New Haven – Riyadh follows the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's two-semester calendar established by the Ministry of Education. The university observes all official public holidays.
This calendar is indicative and subject to change. Islamic holiday dates are based on predicted lunar sighting and will be confirmed by the Saudi authorities. All dates are subject to final regulatory approval.
Semester One: Autumn 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Faculty return | Sunday 16 August 2026 |
| New-student orientation | 19–22 August 2026 |
| Classes begin | Sunday 23 August 2026 |
| Saudi National Day (holiday) | Wednesday 23 September 2026 |
| Mid-semester break | 25–29 October 2026 |
| Last day of classes | Thursday 17 December 2026 |
| Final examinations | 20–30 December 2026 |
| Winter break begins | Thursday 31 December 2026 |
Semester Two: Spring 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Classes begin | Sunday 17 January 2027 |
| Ramadan begins | Monday 8 February 2027 (tentative) |
| Founding Day (holiday) | Monday 22 February 2027 |
| Eid al-Fitr break | 10–14 March 2027 (tentative) |
| Mid-semester break | 28 March – 1 April 2027 |
| Eid al-Adha break | 15–19 May 2027 (tentative) |
| Last day of classes | Thursday 27 May 2027 |
| Final examinations | 30 May – 10 June 2027 |
| Summer break begins | Thursday 11 June 2027 |
Key Public Holidays 2026–27
- Saudi National Day: 23 September 2026
- Founding Day: 22 February 2027
- Eid al-Fitr: 10 March 2027 (tentative)
- Eid al-Adha: 16 May 2027 (tentative)
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