Plan Your Family Time Ahead With These Important Breaks
The school year in the United Arab Emirates is fast evolving — and for the 2025–2026 academic year, parents and caregivers now have a unified roadmap of term dates and holiday periods that make planning travel, family time, and rest easier than ever.
For the first time under a nation-wide unified school calendar, both public and private schools across all emirates now follow coordinated dates for term starts, break periods and the end of the school year — bringing greater consistency for families living, working and learning in the UAE. gulfnews.com
Why the Unified School Calendar Matters
Until recently, school calendars in the UAE differed between emirates and between private and public schools. With the new unified schedule approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD), families no longer need to navigate disparate systems when planning vacations or childcare.
This change simplifies planning while ensuring that students and educators receive well-spaced breaks throughout the academic year.
Key Holiday Dates for the 2025–2026 School Year
Below is every major break, holiday and pause in classroom activities that UAE parents should know for the 2025–26 academic year.
📅 1. Winter Break — Dec 8, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026
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The academic year’s first major break starts on December 8, 2025 and runs through to January 4, 2026.
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Schools resume on January 5, 2026 after the winter break.
This extended holiday gives families nearly a month off — a perfect window for international travel, cultural celebrations and quality time together.
📅 2. Mid-Term Break — Feb 11 to Feb 15, 2026
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A mid-term break is scheduled from February 11 to February 15, 2026.
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Classes start back on February 16, 2026.
This mid-term pause offers a welcome rest in the second term and helps break up the academic year for students.
📅 3. Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr — Mar 16 to Mar 29, 2026
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Spring break runs from March 16 to March 29, 2026.
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The spring break aligns with Eid Al Fitr celebrations, which are expected to begin around March 20 based on astronomical forecasting (actual dates may vary).
Note: In Sharjah, many private schools resume instruction earlier on March 23, 2026.
This extended break — coinciding with one of the most significant cultural holidays in the UAE — is ideal for family gatherings, short trips or relaxation after the second term.
📅 4. Mid-Term & Eid Al Adha Break — May 25 to May 26, 2026
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A short break is scheduled from May 25 to May 26, 2026, coinciding with Eid Al Adha celebrations.
This holiday typically depends on moon sightings and official announcements, so families should stay tuned for updates from schools and community calendars.
📅 5. End of School Year — Summer Break Begins July 4, 2026
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The academic year officially concludes on July 3 or July 4, 2026, after which summer holidays begin for students.
The exact transition from class time to summer break varies slightly by emirate and school system but generally marks the start of a long vacation period ending with the new term in late summer or early autumn.
Public & Religious Holidays Within the School Year
In addition to scheduled breaks, the school calendar includes important public and cultural holidays that contribute to school closures throughout the year:
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UAE National Day & Commemoration Day
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Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
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Eid Al Fitr
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Eid Al Adha
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Hijri (Islamic) New Year
These official holidays are observed alongside academic breaks, giving families several long weekends and cultural observances to plan around.
What Parents Should Consider When Planning
📌 Travel and Vacation Logistics
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Book flights and hotels early: winter and spring breaks are peak travel periods.
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Consider local staycations if international travel becomes costly or crowded.
📌 Childcare & After-School Activities
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Holiday clubs, camps and enrichment programs are popular during mid-term periods.
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Schools often offer optional activities — check with your child’s school.
📌 Exams & Catch-Up Time
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While major holidays are scheduled, the gaps between terms remain crucial for academic progress.
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Use mid-term breaks for light study or skill building without pressure.
Differences by Curriculum & Emirate
Although most schools follow the unified framework, some institutions — especially those with international curricula (like IB, British, or Indian board systems) — may adjust start and end dates slightly to align with their global exam schedules. moe.gov.ae+1
Parents are encouraged to confirm the calendar with their specific school.
FAQ: UAE School Calendar 2025–26
Q: When does the new school year start?
The 2025–26 academic year began in late August 2025 for most schools.
Q: Are Eid dates confirmed?
Eid holiday dates depend on moon sightings and official announcements and may change marginally.
Q: Do all schools follow this calendar?
Most public and private schools do, but curriculum-based exceptions exist, especially for Indian curriculum schools. moe.gov.ae
