The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has 639 public schools and 580 private schools with a total enrolment of 287,725 students (public schools) and 793,295 students (private schools). The education sector in the UAE is comprised of private and public schools, with private schools accounting for almost 50% of all schools in the country.
Schools in the UAE are governed by the Ministry of Education. The Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge (ADEK) regulate schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. These governing bodies announce the school holidays for each Emirate. Thus, school holidays in the UAE may differ from one Emirate to another.
| Abu Dhabi Public and Private Schools (MOE and Foreign Curriculum) | |
|---|---|
| Date | Status |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Start of the academic year |
| Dec 08, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Winter break |
| Mar 09 – 22, 2026 | Spring break* |
| 8.2 weeks | Summer break** |
| 182 | Number of school days*** |
* The above dates are applicable to all public and private schools teaching the curriculum of Ministry of Education. Other private schools teaching foreign curricula will take a break of 3 consecutive weeks as allowed in each emirate or take two consecutive weeks and a third week later within the year.
** Summer break must not be more than 8.2 weeks for all schools in the UAE, irrespective of the curriculum they teach.
*** The above school days are applicable to all public and private schools teaching the curriculum of Ministry of Education. For other schools, school days must not be less than 182 days.
| Dubai Private Schools (Starting in September) | |
|---|---|
| Aug 25, 2025 | School begins for students |
| Dec 08, 2025 | Winter break |
| Jan 05, 2026 | Resumption of classes after winter break – All schools |
| Mar 09, 2026 | Spring break – All Schools |
| Mar 23, 2026 | Resumption of classes after spring break – All schools |
| Jul 03, 2026 | End of academic year |
| Dubai Private Schools (Starting in April) | |
|---|---|
| Apr 07, 2025 | School begins for students |
| Jun 30, 2025 | Summer break |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Student Return from summer break |
| Dec 15, 2025 | Winter break |
| Jan 05, 2026 | Student Return from winter break |
| Mar 01 – 31, 2026 | End of academic year |
*These private schools can close any day from March 01 and March 31, 2026, subject to the school fulfilling the stipulated number of school days and receiving KHDA approval.
All private schools can only tentatively communicate public holidays (like Eid, UAE National Day) to parents and confirm them once declared by the UAE government authority.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj – Ascension Day
Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj is observed annually on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab and marks the night God took Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) on a journey to Jerusalem from Makkah, and then to heaven.
Ramadan
The Holy Month of Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Holy Quran. Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world as a month of fasting and prayer.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid-al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Fast-breaking, marks the end of Ramadan. Many Muslims observe this feast by showing their gratitude to God for giving them strength while fasting during Ramadan.
Arafat (Haj) Day
Arafat day is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and takes place a day before the first day of Eid Al Adha.
Eid Al Adha
Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, is the most important feast in the Muslim calendar. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to God.
Al Hijri – Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic calendar and marks the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Medina in 622AD.
Commemoration Day
The UAE Commemoration Day commemorates the Emirati heroes who lost their lives defending the nation.
Milad Un Nabi
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is observed on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabiulawal.
UAE National Day
The UAE National Day is celebrated annually on December 2nd and marks the country’s unification of the seven emirates in 1971.
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