School holidays in the UAE in 2025–2026

When you’re a parent living and working in the United Arab Emirates, it’s important to know when your child’s school holidays fall. After all, with so many fun things to do with children in the country, you’ll want to make time for them all. To keep track of these useful dates, read on to find the following information:

• An overview of school holidays in the UAE

• When are the UAE school holidays in 2025–2026?Other important dates in 2025–2026

• Other important dates in 2025–2026

• When are the UAE school holidays in 2026–2027?Other important dates in 2026–2027

• Other important dates in 2026–2027

• When are the public holidays in the UAE?

• Tips for expat parents in the UAEChildcare during UAE school holidaysFun vacation camps in the UAE

• Childcare during UAE school holidays

• Fun vacation camps in the UAE

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An overview of school holidays in the UAE

The Ministry of Education (MOE) sets the minimum number of school days in the year (at least 182 teaching days) as well as the approved calendar for the school year. The school year runs from late August until the end of June, with two short holidays to break it up. Almost all places of education are expected to follow these dates, including private and international schools.

Schools typically have three main school holidays throughout the year, including during Spring, Summer, and Winter. There are also a few individual days off, such as Eid al-Fitr and the UAE’s National Day.

International schools in the UAE generally follow the same school holiday dates as other schools, although summer holidays in some international schools start and end one to two weeks earlier than the general holiday dates.

Education

International schools in the UAE

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When are the UAE school holidays in 2025–2026?

Check with your school in case of variations.

Holiday

Dates

First day of school

25 August 2025

Winter break

18 December 2025, 3 January 2026

Spring holiday

16-29 March 2026

Summer break

Starts 4 July 2026

It’s worth noting that during Ramadan, UAE school hours are usually shortened to accommodate the fasting schedule. Public and private schools often start later in the morning (around 08:30) and end earlier (around 13:15).

Other important dates in 2025–2026

The additional holiday dates for the 2025–2026 school year are:

Holiday

Date

Weekday

Mawlid (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday)

4-5 September 2025

Thu-Fri

Commemoration Day

30 November 2025

Sun

National Day

2 December 2025

Tue

New Year’s Day

1 January 2025

Thu

Eid Al-Fitr

20-22 March 2026

Fri-Sun

Arafah day

26-27 May 2026

Tue-Wed

Eid Al-Adha

27-28 May 2026

Wed-Thu

Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year)

16-17 June 2026

Tue-Wed

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When are the UAE school holidays in 2026–2027?

Check with your school in case of variations.

Holiday

Dates

First day of school

Dates not yet available

Winter break

Dates not yet available

Spring holiday

Dates not yet available

Summer break

Dates not yet available

Other important dates in 2026–2027

The additional holiday dates for the 2026–2027 school year are:

Holiday

Date

Weekday

Mawlid (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday)

4-5 September 2026

Fri-Sat

Commemoration Day

30 November 2026

Mon

National Day

2 December 2026

Wed

New Year

1 January 2027

Fri

Eid Al-Fitr

8-10 March 2027

Mon-Wed

Arafah day

15-16 May 2027

Sat-Sun

Eid Al-Adha

17-19 May 2027

Mon-Wed

Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year)

5-6 June 2027

Sat-Sun

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When are the public holidays in the UAE?

Some important public holidays and celebrations usually fall on school holidays, such as New Year’s Day and Eid Al-Fitr. You can learn more about these holidays (and dates) by reading our article on public holidays in the UAE.

Lifestyle

Public holidays in the UAE

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Tips for expat parents in the UAE

Childcare during UAE school holidays

If you are working during school holidays, you may need to make childcare arrangements. You have several options:

• Nursery holiday camps: some private nurseries offer a holiday camp for at least part of the day during the school holidays. If your child attends a nursery or kindergarten in the UAE, then check with them to find out what they offer.

• Nannies and childminders: nannies are big business in the UAE, but it’s important to find a reputable provider and make sure that you clearly define your expectations. One option is to contact a childcare provider such as CloudNine Kids, which offers both babysitting services and childcare training in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Fun vacation camps in the UAE

There are a number of vacation camps in the UAE, including language schools, sports camps, and adventure camps that are popular with expat children. For example, kids who love water will enjoy DuDive diving holiday camp and Waves Academy. And for those who want to stay dry, Infinite Sports offers plenty of choice, including cricket, basketball, and gymnastics sport programs.

Lifestyle

The best things to do with kids in the UAE

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