Dubai School Calendar 2025-2026
Dubai School Calendar 2025-2026: Term Dates, Holidays & Breaks for Private Schools
If you have kids studying in Dubai or plan to enroll them soon, here is the latest update on the Dubai school 2025-2026 academic year. The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) has shared the official school calendar covering all public and private schools, including those under Dubai’s KHDA authority. This calendar tells you when terms start and end, plus all major holidays and breaks, so you can plan your family schedule with ease.
Overview of Dubai School 2025-2026 Academic Year
The new school year begins on August 25, 2025, for all schools nationwide. The MOE has unified the dates to ensure consistency, which means schools will start and finish terms on the same days. Whether your child attends a school with an April or September start, the calendar is designed to fit the curriculum requirements and provide the minimum number of school days.
School Terms and Breaks for September-Start Schools
Many schools in Dubai follow a September start. Here’s how the year is divided:
| Term/Event | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Year Start | August 25, 2025 | First day of school after summer |
| Winter Break | December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Holiday break between terms |
| Classes Resume | January 5, 2026 | Back to school after winter break |
| Spring Break | March 16 – March 29, 2026 | Mid-term holiday |
| Classes Resume | March 30, 2026 | After spring break |
| Academic Year Ends | July 3, 2026 | Last day of school |
During the last week of each term, schools will complete exams and curriculum tasks to keep students in class until the final day.
Dubai Private Schools with April Start (Mostly Indian Curriculum)
Some private schools, mainly following the Indian curriculum, start the year in April. Their academic calendar is slightly different but still aligns with MOE rules:
| Term/Event | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classes Resume After Summer | August 25, 2025 | Start of second semester |
| Winter Break Begins | December 15, 2025 | Holiday break |
| Classes Resume After Winter | January 5, 2026 | Back to school |
| Academic Year Ends | March 31, 2026* | End of academic year, subject to 182 school days |
*Schools must meet the minimum required 182 days for this end date to apply.
Important Notes for Dubai School Families
- All schools in Dubai, public or private, are required to strictly follow the MOE-approved calendar, which forms part of the UAE school calendar 2025 issued by the Ministry of Education.
- Final exams or important coursework must happen before breaks so students remain engaged until the last school day.
- Schools will notify parents of any public holiday dates like Eid or UAE National Day as they are officially announced.
Why This Matters for Your Child’s School Year in Dubai
Planning ahead is key for parents and students to manage schoolwork, vacations, and family time. This official Dubai school calendar 2025-2026 makes it easier to organize your year, book trips, or arrange childcare during breaks. Whether your child attends a Dubai school with an April or September start, this calendar is your trusted guide for the academic year.
