Complete term dates, public holidays, and school breaks for international schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE
Start: Late August 2025
End: Late June 2026
Duration: ~180 school days
Winter: 1 month (Dec 5 - Jan 5)
Spring: 2 weeks (March/April)
Summer: 8-9 weeks (July-August)
Note: Dates vary by school and curriculum. Always check your specific school's calendar. British schools typically follow this calendar, while American schools may differ slightly. UAE schools typically maintain the December 5 - January 5 winter break pattern annually.
Friday Half-Day: Most UAE schools finish at 11:30 AM every Friday throughout the academic year. Plan pickups accordingly each week.
August - December 2025
January - April 2026
April - June 2026
Schools and most businesses close on these national holidays. Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings and may shift by 1-2 days.
| Holiday | Date (2025-2026) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
New Year's Day
|
January 1, 2026 | 1 day |
|
Ramadan
(Holy Month - School hours change)
|
February 17 - March 18, 2025* | 1 month |
|
Eid Al Fitr
(End of Ramadan - Holiday)
|
March 19-23, 2025* | 4-5 days |
|
Arafat Day
|
June 6, 2025* | 1 day |
|
Eid Al Adha
(Festival of Sacrifice)
|
June 7-10, 2025* | 3-4 days |
|
Islamic New Year
|
June 26, 2025* | 1 day |
|
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
|
September 4-5, 2025* | 1-2 days |
|
UAE National Day
(Commemoration Day + National Day)
|
December 2-3, 2025 | 2-3 days |
* Islamic holidays are based on lunar calendar and depend on moon sighting. Exact dates may shift by 1-2 days. Government will announce official dates closer to the time.
Ramadan School Hours: During the holy month of Ramadan (Feb 17 - Mar 18, 2025), most schools adjust their schedules:
Friday Half-Day: Most UAE schools follow a Friday half-day schedule throughout the academic year:
UK/IGCSE Schools
US/Common Core Schools
International Baccalaureate
French, German, Indian, etc.
Flight prices spike during school holidays, especially December and summer. Book 3-6 months in advance for best deals.
December (winter break) and July-August (summer) are busiest. Expect higher prices and crowded airports during these periods.
Always check your specific school's calendar. British, American, and IB schools may have different dates for breaks.
During Ramadan (Feb 17-Mar 18, 2025), schools start 1 hour later and finish 1 hour earlier. Plan pickups/dropoffs accordingly and expect reduced curriculum pace throughout the month.
Many schools offer summer camps during July-August. Book early as popular camps fill up quickly, especially for younger children.
Sign up for school apps/emails to get updates on calendar changes, inset days, and special events throughout the year.
Our education consultants specialize in Dubai and Abu Dhabi international schools. We'll help you find the perfect fit for your family's needs and navigate the enrollment process.
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