United Arab Emirates School Holidays 2026
Looking for United Arab Emirates school holidays 2026? You'll find the complete 2026 school calendar for United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates right here — including all term dates, school holiday periods, public holidays, and important academic dates. Our data is sourced from UAE Ministry of Education and covers 3 terms and 4 school breaks. Whether you're planning family travel during the school holidays, booking vacation care, or need to know when the 2026 school year starts and ends, this comprehensive United Arab Emirates school holiday calendar has everything you need.
Officially published, but dates may vary by sub-region or individual school. Confirm with your local school. Last verified: Jul 29, 2026.
Mid-term Break (October)
Oct 12 – Oct 18, 2026
United Arab Emirates Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 105 days | Start of academic year. | ||
| Term 2 | 91 days | — | ||
| Term 3 | 82 days | End of academic year. |
United Arab Emirates School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-term Break (October) | 7 days | 1-week mid-term break. Private schools may adjust within 5 days. | ||
| Winter Break | 21 days | 3-week winter break. | ||
| Spring Break | 7 days | 1-week spring break. | ||
| Summer Holiday | 59 days | — |
United Arab Emirates Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday) | 1 days | — | ||
| Martyr's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Commemoration Day | 1 days | — | ||
| National Day | 2 days | — | ||
| Eid al-Fitr | 3 days | — | ||
| Arafat Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Eid al-Adha | 3 days | — | ||
| Hijri New Year | 1 days | — |
United Arab Emirates School 2026 Calendar — Month by Month
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
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Detailed 2026 United Arab Emirates School Year Information
Term 1
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 – Sun, Dec 13, 2026
Start of academic year.
Term 2
Mon, Jan 4, 2027 – Sun, Apr 4, 2027
Term 3
Mon, Apr 12, 2027 – Fri, Jul 2, 2027
End of academic year.
United Arab Emirates School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These United Arab Emirates school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from UAE Ministry of Education. UAE Ministry of Education sets the calendar for all public schools and private schools following the MOE curriculum. Dubai private schools follow KHDA guidelines. Sharjah has specific rules. The dates below are for MOE public schools for 2026-2027.
Planning Tips for 2026 United Arab Emirates School Holidays
🏛️ One MoE calendar, three terms
The Ministry of Education publishes a unified calendar for public schools (and most private schools follow closely): September start, winter and spring breaks, and a very long summer.
🌙 Ramadan changes school hours
During Ramadan, school days shorten by 2+ hours and the academic calendar is adjusted around Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which move ~11 days earlier each Gregorian year.
🌞 Summer runs July-August
The long summer break spans July and August with return in late August/early September — it escapes the peak heat, and family travel surges then.
🌍 Private school variance is real
British, American and IB curriculum schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi often follow their own term patterns — confirm with the school even when the MoE calendar exists.
Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: UAE Ministry of Education
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Officially published, but dates may vary by sub-region or individual school. Confirm with your local school. Last verified: Jul 29, 2026.
Note: UAE Ministry of Education sets the calendar for all public schools and private schools following the MOE curriculum. Dubai private schools follow KHDA guidelines. Sharjah has specific rules. The dates below are for MOE public schools for 2026-2027.
United Arab Emirates School Holidays 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
How many school holidays are there in 2026?
Most school systems have 4-6 major holiday periods throughout the year, typically including a long summer break, a winter/Christmas break, and shorter mid-term breaks in spring and autumn. The exact number depends on your country and region.
What is the longest school holiday?
The summer holiday is typically the longest school break worldwide. In Australia, it lasts about 5-6 weeks (December-January). In the UK, the summer break is approximately 6 weeks (July-August). In the US, summer break is the longest at 10-12 weeks (June-August). In Singapore, the year-end holidays last about 6 weeks.
Are school holidays the same across all states or regions?
No. School holiday dates vary by state, region, and sometimes even by individual school district or local council. While neighbouring areas often have similar schedules, you should always check the specific dates for your local area.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Rules vary by country. In the UK, taking children out of school during term time without authorization can result in fines. In Australia, it is generally discouraged but policies vary by state. In the US, policies are set by individual school districts. Always check with your school before planning term-time absences.
Do private schools have different holiday dates?
Yes, private and independent schools often set their own term dates, which may differ from government/public schools. However, most private schools follow similar schedules to nearby public schools, with minor variations. Check directly with your school for exact dates.
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