The UAE’s 2025–2026 school calendar includes a four-week winter break, plus updated holiday dates for families to plan ahead
Families planning holidays or celebrations can expect more time together this winter, as the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has confirmed a four-week winter break in the 2025–2026 school calendar.
Running from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with students back in class on 5 January, the holiday replaces the three-week break of previous years.
According to the MoE, the change is designed to create a more balanced academic year, support pupil wellbeing, and give schools and families greater clarity for planning.
The unified calendar applies to all public and private schools, overseen by the MoE in collaboration with KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi), and SPEA (Sharjah).
Why the change?
The MoE highlights that the extended break will provide pupils and teachers with more time to recharge after the first and often most demanding term.
The coordinated calendar also reduces confusion for families with children in different schools, ensures greater consistency across the Emirates, and supports wider community and national activities.
Key dates for parents (2025–2026 academic year):
- Start of academic year: 25 August 2025
- Winter break: 8 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 (pupils start 5 January) — extended from three to four weeks
- Term 2: 5 January – 13 March 2026
- Spring break: 16 – 29 March 2026 (pupils start 30 March; Sharjah schools reopen 23 March) — two weeks, brought forward by a week compared to previous years
- Term 3: 30 March – 3 July 2026 (Sharjah schools close 2 July) — the final day of term is a week later than earlier calendars
Mid-term breaks: October and February
The MoE calendar for 2025–2026 sets out two mid-term break windows: October (Term 1) and February (Term 2). These breaks are mandatory for all public and private schools following the MoE curriculum.
Private schools that do not follow the MoE curriculum (such as British, IB, or American) have more flexibility. They may introduce mid-term breaks in October and/or February, but each must:
- Fall within the defined timeframe
- Not exceed five consecutive school days
- Be approved by the relevant regulator (KHDA, ADEK, SPEA)
Variations in Dubai
Dubai’s private schools, regulated by KHDA, follow the unified calendar but with some curriculum-based differences. For example, schools following the Indian curriculum (April start) will begin their winter holidays on 15 December 2025, while schools on the September cycle will begin on 8 December 2025.
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What it means for students and schools in the UAE
- Wellbeing and balance
The longer winter holiday and mid-term breaks provide time for recovery between terms. - Examinations and assessments
Internal assessments will be completed before breaks. Senior students preparing for IGCSEs, IB, A-levels, or SATs may still be offered revision support during holidays. - Consistency across Emirates
KHDA, ADEK, SPEA, and the MoE have aligned the framework to reduce discrepancies between schools, though Sharjah retains slightly different spring and end-of-year dates. - Planning certainty for parents
The four-week winter break and defined term windows give families greater forward visibility for travel, holiday activities, and enrichment opportunities.
FAQs: The four-week winter break and term dates explained
Which schools does this apply to?
All public schools and private schools following the MoE curriculum. In Dubai, KHDA requires all private schools to adopt the unified calendar.
What about IB, British, American, or other curricula?
Private schools not following the MoE curriculum must still align with the official calendar. Adjustments may be made for exams, but winter and spring breaks remain consistent.
Why does my child’s school only have one mid-term break?
The MoE allows non-MoE curriculum schools flexibility. They may choose to take one or both mid-term breaks, but are not obliged to schedule both. Each break is capped at five consecutive days.
Will every student have the full four weeks off in winter?
Yes, though students in exam years may be offered optional revision sessions or workshops.
What happens with exams?
Internal assessments are completed before the break. External exams such as GCSEs, IB, or A Levels follow international timetables, with schools providing support as needed.
Does this affect summer holidays?
The academic year ends in early July, with the 2026 finish slightly later than in previous years.
Why was the change introduced?
To improve pupil wellbeing, unify school structures across the Emirates, and provide families with clearer planning timelines.
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