August 13, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: The Dubai school holiday calendar for 2025–2026 is here, and for parents, students, and teachers, it’s like finally getting the map to the whole school year. No more guessing when the breaks will be or scrambling to book flights at the last minute, now you can plan every trip, study session, and celebration with ease.
Released by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and followed by all private schools under the KHDA, the Dubai school holiday calendar applies to both September-start and April-start schools. That means no matter your child’s curriculum, you’ve got the full picture for the year ahead.
September-Start Schools: When the Big Breaks Land
If your child is in a September-start school, the Dubai school holiday calendar begins with the first day of term on Monday, August 25, 2025. The first stretch of the year runs until December 8, 2025, when the winter holidays begin. Students return refreshed on January 5, 2026, ready for the second term.
Spring break comes next from March 16 to March 29, 2026, offering two weeks of rest before classes resume on March 30, 2026. The year ends on July 3, 2026, just in time for a long summer break.
The MOE has also reminded schools that the last week of every term should still count, with no early wind-downs. This detail in the Dubai school holiday calendar ensures students stay engaged right up to the final bell.
April-Start Schools: A Slightly Different Rhythm
For April-start schools, which are mainly Indian curriculum institutions, the Dubai school holiday calendar looks a little different. After the summer break, classes resume on August 25, 2025, but winter holidays start later on December 15, 2025.
Students return on January 5, 2026, and the academic year wraps up by March 31, 2026, as long as the school meets the required 182 instructional days. This schedule allows for a longer mid-year term before the year-end break, which many families find easier for travel and planning.
Upcoming Public Holidays and Long Weekends
The Dubai school holiday calendar also includes public holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day. Since these depend on official announcements from the government, schools will provide provisional dates in advance and confirm them closer to the time.
For many families, these shorter breaks are the perfect chance for quick getaways or to spend time with relatives. Knowing them early lets you avoid the rush and the peak ticket prices that come with last-minute plans.
Why this Calendar is More Than Just Dates
The Dubai school holiday calendar isn’t just any list of term times and breaks. For parents, it’s a way to organise work leave, family trips, and even extracurricular activities. For students, it’s a countdown to the moments they can relax and spend time with friends and family. And for teachers, it’s the backbone for lesson planning and exam schedules.
Having a clear calendar also helps keep a healthy balance between learning and downtime. Students perform way better when they have periods of rest built in, and families can make the most of these breaks about being together, whether that’s a trip abroad, a staycation, or simply enjoying slow mornings at home.
The Dubai school holiday calendar for 2025–2026 gives everyone another chance to make the most of the school year. With the dates now in your hands, you can plan early, avoid unnecessary or extra stress, and make space for both study and family memories. Whether you’re booking a big winter trip or just looking forward to the next long weekend, this calendar is your guide to a smooth, well-organised year.
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