Planning your family’s year ahead in Dubai? The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has officially released the Dubai school holiday dates for 2025/26. Here’s everything expat parents need to know about the upcoming academic calendar.
Table of Contents
Key Dubai School Holiday Dates 2025-2026
Quick Summary for September-Start Schools:
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- Academic year begins: Monday, August 25, 2025
- Winter break: December 15, 2025 to January 5, 2026
- Spring break: March 23 to April 6, 2026
- Academic year ends: No earlier than June 26, 2026
Two School Calendar Systems in Dubai
Dubai private schools follow two different academic calendars. Most international schools (British, American, IB) start in September, while some schools begin their academic year in April.
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September-Start Schools (Most Common)
Classes will resume on August 25, 2025, following a two-month summer break. Here’s the complete schedule:
Academic Calendar 2025/26:
- Start date: Monday, August 25, 2025
- Winter break: Monday, December 15, 2025 to Monday, January 5, 2026
- Spring break: Monday, March 23, 2026 to Monday, April 6, 2026
- MoE schools spring return: Monday, April 13, 2026 (one week later)
- Summer holidays: Begin Friday, June 26, 2026 (earliest date)
April-Start Schools
For schools following this calendar:
- Academic year started: Monday, April 7, 2025
- Summer break: Monday, June 30, 2025 to Monday, August 25, 2025
- Winter break: Same as September schools (Dec 15 – Jan 5)
- Academic year ends: Any date in March 2026
What This Means for Expat Families
Flight Planning: The winter holidays will begin on December 15, with students returning to school on January 5, 2026 after a three-week break. This timing works perfectly for Christmas trips home.
Spring Break Timing: The March/April spring break is ideal for family trips before Dubai’s summer heat kicks in.
Summer Planning: With the academic year ending no earlier than June 26, 2026, you can plan those long summer holidays back home.
UAE Public Holidays Are Additional
Remember, UAE public holidays like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day are additional to these school calendar dates. These move each year based on the Islamic calendar.
University Calendar Alignment
UAE universities follow a similar pattern with slight variations:
- University year starts: August 25, 2025
- Winter break: December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Spring break: March 16-29, 2026
- Academic year ends: July 3, 2026
This alignment helps families with children in both school and university.
Important Requirements
All public and private schools following the MoE curriculum must ensure a minimum of 182 instructional days. This explains why some schools may end slightly later than the minimum June 26 date.
How to Access Your School’s Specific Calendar
Parents can access their child’s school calendar through the KHDA website:
- Visit the KHDA Education Directory
- Enter your school’s name in the search box
- Select your school from the results
- Click on the “Academic Calendar” tab
This provides detailed information on term dates, breaks, and any school-specific holiday arrangements for the entire academic year.
Planning Tips for Expat Parents
Book Early: December and June are peak travel times for expat families. Flight prices jump and availability drops.
Check School Variations: While KHDA sets the framework, individual international schools may adjust dates by up to one week.
Weather Considerations: Spring break (March/April) offers the best weather for outdoor activities and regional travel.
Visa Planning: Long summer breaks are perfect for visa runs or extending visits to home countries.
Differences from Other Emirates
Dubai follows KHDA guidelines, but if you’re considering schools in other emirates:
- Sharjah: Similar dates but schools operate Monday-Thursday due to the four-day work week
- Abu Dhabi: Follows the same general pattern with minor variations
Making the Most of School Holidays
Winter Break (3 weeks): Perfect for Christmas holidays, family visits, or exploring cooler destinations.
Spring Break (2 weeks): Great timing for regional travel, outdoor activities, or short European trips.
Summer Break (8+ weeks): Extended time for long-haul family visits, summer camps, or educational trips.
What Parents Should Do Now
- Confirm with your school – International schools may have slight variations
- Book flights early – Especially for December and June travel
- Plan childcare – For working parents during school breaks
- Check visa validity – Ensure travel documents are current for family trips
Dubai’s school calendar is designed with family life in mind. The generous break schedule allows expat families to maintain connections with their home countries while enjoying life in the UAE.
The key is understanding which calendar your school follows and planning accordingly. Most expat families find the September-start system easier to coordinate with relatives and friends back home.
Need more information? Check directly with your child’s school for any specific variations or additional closure days they may observe.
This article is based on official KHDA announcements for the 2025/26 academic year. Always verify specific dates with your child’s school as international curricula may have minor variations.
