Students across the UAE can start counting down. The upcoming winter break is officially scheduled to begin on December 8, 2025, as per the Ministry of Education’s academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year. The holiday stretches until January 4, 2026, giving families almost four weeks of downtime before schools reopen on January 5.
Teachers and administrative staff will wrap up a little later. Their break starts on December 15, allowing schools to finalize reports, exam administration, and academic planning before pausing for the year-end holiday.
This annual winter break is one of the most looked-forward-to periods in the school calendar. Many households use it for travel, quality time at home, or exploring Dubai’s busy winter activity scene—from Global Village evenings to abra rides along the creek and long strolls at Kite Beach during the cooler season.
December Will Be a Busy Month Before Campuses Quiet Down
Although the break begins on December 8, the first few days of the holiday remain active for many schools. A round of make-up examinations for students is planned from December 8 to 12. While most students will already be switching to holiday mode, those with pending exams may need to return to campus or submit final assessments during that week.
At the same time, educators across the UAE will be taking part in the third round of professional development sessions. These training programs, running from December 8 to 12, are designed to support classroom standards, improve teaching practices, and help schools continue evolving in line with federal education objectives. Professional development is now a standard and expected part of the education cycle in the UAE, and December’s window provides a structured environment for schools to improve methods and long-term academic delivery.
Administrative teams also take this time to:
- Complete internal academic reporting
- Finalize student progress analysis
- Prepare curriculum adjustments for the January term
- Ready classrooms and learning spaces for reopening
In many private schools, parents receive report summaries and updates through digital platforms, so information remains easy to track even during the break.
Second Term Starts on January 5, 2026
The second semester officially begins on January 5, marking the return of students to regular schedules. This term is the shortest of the three but carries significant academic weight. With only 47 instructional days spread over around nine weeks, the focus is usually on pushing ahead with core subjects, catching learning momentum, and preparing students for the final stretch of the school year.
Schools will release first-term results from January 7 to 9. Typically, these results are shared through school portals or direct communication, giving parents a clear understanding of progress and academic standing. This short window also allows teachers to refine plans, adjust learning pathways, and prepare targeted support for students who may need additional focus in the new term.
A Clear Breakdown of the Academic Year
The 2025–2026 school year has been structured to provide a balanced flow between learning blocks and holidays. Parents and students benefit from early visibility of schedules, allowing planning for holidays, short breaks, and extracurricular commitments.
A quick overview of the academic structure:
- First Semester:
- 14 weeks
- 67 instructional days
- Second Semester:
- Starts January 5, 2026
- Shortest term of the year
- 47 instructional days
- Third Semester:
- Begins March 30, 2026
- 64 instructional days
- Includes five official holidays
Overall, the academic year includes approximately 178 days of classroom instruction, with the year concluding no earlier than June 26, 2026. The structure maintains steady learning progress while giving families solid breaks throughout the year.
A Winter break is important for families in the UAE
For a large portion of UAE residents, the winter school holiday is more than just a pause from academics. December is the heart of Dubai’s outdoor season, where the weather is cool enough for alfresco evenings, long beach days, and winter markets across the city. Families often plan staycations in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Hatta, or head abroad to spend time with loved ones.
Tourist attractions also gear up for peak season at this time. From festive villages to theme park events, downtown celebrations, and dining pop-ups, the city feels full of energy. Many parents choose this period to enroll children in winter camps, which offer everything from coding and sports to creative arts, giving students the perfect mix of fun and learning before heading back to school in January.
Even for those staying home, the break offers something many students appreciate: a chance to take a breath after a dense first term with 67 classroom days. Students can recharge, catch up on rest, and return in the new year more prepared and motivated. The UAE winter school holiday 2025 gives families more time to experience Dubai’s growing winter event calendar.
With the UAE winter school holiday 2025 confirmed to start on December 8, students across the country are heading into a well-timed break perfectly aligned with the country’s peak winter season. Whether families choose to travel or stay close to home, the month ahead offers plenty of ways to disconnect from classroom pressure and reconnect with routine, family, and downtime before a fresh term begins in January.
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