Grab your planners (or your phone calendar, let’s be real), the UAE Ministry of Education has dropped the official 2025–2026 school calendar, and it’s got everything: term starts, breaks, and the all-important summer holidays. Whether your kids are in a public school, a private one in Dubai, or somewhere in between, this is for everyone. Yes, even those under the KHDA’s watchful eye. So, let’s break it down in the least “government memo” way possible.
Your Holiday List If Your School Starts in September
This one’s for all the public schools and most private schools following international curriculums (KHDA’s on board with this too).
First Day Back: Monday, August 25, 2025 — the Monday blues will be real.
Winter Break: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (almost a full month to either relax… or referee sibling fights).
Back to Class: January 5, 2026 — no easing in, straight into it.
Spring Break: March 16 – 29, 2026 — perfect weather for a staycation or a quick escape.
Back to Class Again: March 30, 2026.
School’s Out for Summer: July 3, 2026
No, you can’t sneak out early for that cheaper holiday. The Ministry has specifically said lessons and assessments must run till the bitter end.
Your Holiday List If Your School Starts in April
Hello, Indian curriculum crew, your year is slightly different, but the August restart is still there.
Back From Summer: August 25, 2025: yes, same day as the September starters.
Winter Holidays: December 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026: slightly later than the others.
Back to Class: January 5, 2026.
Final Day of School: March 31, 2026 (if your school’s clocked the required 182 days; otherwise, sorry, you’re staying longer).
Also read: Soft Play Areas Under AED 65 To Check Out With Kids In Dubai
What’s Non-Negotiable For All Schools
Minimum school days: Every school, public or private, must complete the number of days set by the MOE.
Public holidays: Eid, UAE National Day, etc., will be announced in advance, but the exact dates get the final green light from the Federal Government closer to the time.
No exceptions: The KHDA and MOE are aligned, so don’t even think about the “my school is different” loophole.
Extras You’ll Want To Note:
Ramadan 2026 is expected to start on February 16, so the last month of the next academic year for the Indian school crew and the second term for the interntional schools will be a lot shorter – expect earlier finishes, shorter hours, and a slightly sleepier school run.
And yes, Eid 2026 will fall in March, exactly a week before spring break! So that March Eid-spring break combo means a lot of parents will be in “mentally on vacation” mode by mid-month.
Parent Pro Tip: Screenshot This
Bookmark these dates now so you can:
Plan trips without that last-minute “Oops, school’s still open” moment.
Strategically stock up on art supplies and exam snacks.
Have a countdown ready for both you and the kids.
The full academic year is here along with the holiday list, folks. Now the only mystery is when exactly those long Eid breaks will actually fall. Until then, we plan, we prep, and we pray for smooth morning drop-offs.
Also read: There’s Another UAE Public Holiday Before Summer Ends – Here’s When
