UAE students following the Ministry of Education curriculum returned to school on August 31, 2026, for the 2026-27 academic year. The calendar includes an October mid-term break, a three-week winter break period, an Eid Al Fitr school holiday and a spring break before the final term.
The schedule affects students in UAE public schools and private schools following the Ministry curriculum. It matters because families can now plan holidays, childcare and travel around the confirmed school breaks.
The UAE school holidays for the 2026-27 academic year include an October mid-term break, a winter break starting in December, an Eid Al Fitr holiday in March and a spring break in April. The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed the calendar for public schools and private schools following its curriculum, with the academic year running from August 31, 2026, until July 2, 2027.
For parents, the confirmed UAE school holidays provide an early guide for planning family trips, childcare and annual leave. However, families with children in international curriculum schools should check their individual school calendars, as holiday dates may differ.
When are the UAE school holidays in 2026-27?
The Ministry of Education has divided the 2026-27 academic year into three terms, covering 37 academic weeks and 185 teaching days.
Students began the new academic year on Monday, August 31, 2026. Teaching and administrative staff had returned a week earlier, on August 24.
The first major break comes in October, followed by the winter holidays in December and January.
Here are the key dates parents should know:
- August 31, 2026: Students return to school
- October 12-18, 2026: Mid-term break
- October 19, 2026: Classes resume
- December 14, 2026-January 3, 2027: Winter break period
- January 4, 2027: Second term begins
- March 8-12, 2027: Eid Al Fitr school holiday
- April 5-11, 2027: Spring break period
- April 12, 2027: Third term begins
- July 2, 2027: Final school day and start of summer holidays
The Ministry’s detailed calendar distinguishes between scheduled student leave and weekends surrounding some breaks. For example, the official winter student holiday runs until January 1, while the weekend extends the time away from classrooms until January 3.
When is the first school break in the UAE?
Students will get their first mid-term break from October 12 to October 18, 2026.
The scheduled school break covers five weekdays, from October 12 to October 16, while the weekend extends the overall break until October 18.
Classes will resume on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The first term runs for 13 weeks and includes 67 teaching days. Schools will continue with assessments and examinations during November and early December before students begin their winter holidays.
The October break is likely to be an important date for families planning short trips or staycations, particularly as the UAE’s cooler outdoor season begins.
How long is the UAE winter school break?
The UAE winter school holiday will begin on December 14, 2026.
According to the Ministry’s academic calendar, students have scheduled leave through January 1, 2027, followed by the weekend before classes restart.
This means students will return to classrooms on Monday, January 4, 2027.
The wider school closure period gives families almost three weeks away from regular classes.
The winter break traditionally falls during one of the UAE’s busiest tourism and events periods. Families often use the holiday to travel abroad, while others take advantage of Dubai’s outdoor attractions, seasonal festivals and cooler weather.
Parents planning trips should still consider their school’s examination schedule before booking travel, particularly as end-of-term assessments take place before the winter break.
When does the Eid Al Fitr school holiday fall in 2027?
The Ministry of Education calendar currently lists a school holiday from March 8 to March 12, 2027, around Eid Al Fitr.
The dates give students five scheduled weekdays away from regular classes.
However, parents should note that Islamic holidays are linked to the lunar calendar. While the Ministry has included the school holiday period in its academic schedule, the official UAE announcement of Eid dates will remain subject to moon-sighting and government confirmation closer to the time.
The second term begins on January 4 and includes 60 teaching days. It runs through the Eid Al Fitr holiday before students complete assessments ahead of the spring break.
When is the UAE spring break in 2027?
Students will begin their spring break on April 5, 2027.
The scheduled weekday holiday runs until April 9, with the weekend extending the overall break until April 11.
Schools will reopen for the third and final term on Monday, April 12, 2027.
The final term will run for 12 weeks and includes 58 teaching days.
During this period, the Ministry’s academic calendar also includes national and international assessment activities, including TIMSS 2027 activity between April 19 and May 14.
Final assessments and examinations are expected to take place later in the term, before students finish the academic year on July 2.
Which schools follow the UAE school holidays calendar?
The national academic calendar applies to UAE public schools and private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum.
Not every private school in the UAE follows the same dates.
Private schools offering British, American, IB, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and other international curricula may operate under different approved academic calendars.
The Ministry has also allowed certain private schools to seek approval from local education authorities to adjust their mid-term holidays. Under this arrangement, schools may split the five school days of mid-term leave between October and February, depending on approval from the relevant education authority.
Sharjah private schools also operate under separate regulatory arrangements.
Parents are therefore advised to check their individual school’s official calendar before making travel or childcare arrangements.
The confirmed UAE school holidays give parents and employers a clearer picture of when families are likely to travel or need childcare during the academic year.
For parents, the calendar makes it easier to plan annual leave and family holidays around school breaks.
For the travel and tourism sector, major school holidays can also bring increased demand for flights, hotels, staycations and family attractions.
The Ministry’s three-year academic calendar approach also gives schools, teachers and families more time to prepare. Calendars for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 academic years have also been announced as part of the Ministry’s longer-term planning.
The next key date for families is the October mid-term break, followed by the winter school holidays beginning in December.
FAQs
When do UAE schools close for summer in 2027?
For public schools and private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum, the final school day is July 2, 2027. Summer holidays begin after the academic year ends.
How many teaching days are there in the UAE school year 2026-27?
The 2026-27 academic year includes 185 teaching days across three terms, according to the Ministry of Education.
When do UAE schools reopen after the winter break?
Students following the national calendar will return to school on January 4, 2027.
Do all private schools in Dubai follow the same holiday calendar?
No. The Ministry calendar applies to public schools and private schools following the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum. International curriculum schools may have different dates and parents should check their school’s approved academic calendar.
When is the UAE spring break in 2027?
The scheduled spring break begins on April 5, 2027, with schools reopening on April 12, 2027.
The UAE school holidays calendar for 2026-27 gives families several major breaks to plan around, including the October mid-term holiday, winter break, Eid Al Fitr school holiday and spring break.
With students finishing the academic year on July 2, 2027, parents now have a clearer guide for planning family travel and childcare. However, families with children in international curriculum schools should always check their school’s own calendar, as holiday dates may vary.
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