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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
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.
When are the UAE school holidays in 2024–2025?
Check with your school in case of variations.
| Holiday | Dates |
| First day of school | 26 August 2024 |
| Winter break | 16 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 |
| Spring holiday | 24 March – 13 April 2025 |
| Summer break | 28 June – 24 August 2025 |
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 2024–2025
The additional holiday dates for the 2024–2025 school year are:
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| Mawlid (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) | 14–15 September 2024 | Sat–Sun |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November 2024 | Sat |
| National Day | 2–3 December 2024 | Mon–Tue |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2025 | Wed |
| Eid Al-Fitr | 30–31 March 2025 | Sun–Mon |
| Arafah day | 5–6 June 2025 | Thu–Fri |
| Eid Al-Adha | 7–8 June 2025 | Sat–Sun |
| Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year) | 26–27 June 2025 | Thu–Fri |
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 | 15 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 |
| Spring holiday | 23 March – 12 April 2026 |
| Summer break | 26 June – 24 August 2026 |
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) | 5 September 2025 | Fri |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November 2025 | Sun |
| National Day | 2–3 December 2025 | Tue–Wed |
| New Year | 1 January 2026 | 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 |
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.
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.
