Parents and students in the UAE can now plan ahead for their upcoming holidays as the winter break dates for the 2025–2026 academic year have been confirmed. The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) calendar outlines the official schedule, giving families clarity to arrange travel, organise holiday activities, and schedule family gatherings well in advance. The directive covers both public and private schools nationwide, ensuring a unified approach to the winter vacation.
Students enrolled in schools that operate on the September-to-June academic calendar will benefit from a longer winter holiday of almost four weeks. The break will commence on 8 December 2025 and end on 4 January 2026, when the second term begins. This extended pause offers families ample time for leisure, travel, and relaxation ahead of the new year.
The Ministry of Education has underlined the importance of schools adhering strictly to the approved calendar. Institutions are required to complete first-term assessments and meet curriculum requirements in the week leading up to the holiday. This ensures students remain academically engaged until the vacation begins, preserving learning progress and supporting curriculum continuity.

