Dubai School Holidays 2026-27: Half-Term, Winter and Spring Dates

Half-term is Monday 12 to Friday 16 October 2026, and classes resume on Monday 19 October. That is a week earlier than some schools first told parents (19 to 23 October), so check your inbox before you book anything.

October half-term: 12 to 16 October

With the weekends either side, children are out of school from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 October, nine days in all. Several Dubai schools sent revised dates after term began. The change is not a new rule: the Ministry of Education calendar already said 12 to 16 October, and KHDA has reminded Dubai private schools to follow it.

The 2026-27 calendar at a glance

For schools that start in September, the dates are:

Winter break: 14 December to 3 January

The last school day for many children is Friday 11 December, and National Day falls just before it. If you are flying for Christmas or New Year, book around the school's own last day, not a general calendar.

Spring break and the end of the year

Spring break starts on Monday 5 April 2027 and lasts a week. The year ends on Friday 2 July 2027, with a minimum of 185 school days for September-start schools.

If your school starts in April

A few Dubai private schools run an April-start year. Theirs began on 6 April 2026, with summer break from 6 July and classes back on 31 August 2026. Winter break matches the others (14 December to 3 January), and the year ends between 15 and 31 March 2027.

Why your school's calendar can differ

Not every school follows the half-term to the day. Private schools outside the Ministry curriculum may split their mid-term leave between October and February, up to five school days in all. Schools in Sharjah follow their own regulator. Your school's latest calendar is the final word, so read it before booking flights or a hotel.

Planning the half-term week

Some Dubai families have swapped long trips for staycations and day trips because the gap since summer is short. Camps fill early, so decide this week. See what is on in the family calendar, look for family deals, and read our guide to UAE public holidays and long weekends.

Choosing or changing schools

Moving school for next year is easier with the dates in front of you. Read how to choose a school in Dubai, see the UAE school year groups by birth date, and compare options near you on Eduwl.

Something to do this week

Open your school's latest calendar, put 12 to 19 October in your diary, and decide how the nine days will go. If you have a tip for the week, share it with the mumma community.

Sources

• KHDA, Academic calendar for Dubai's private schools: https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/resources/academic-calendar-dubai-private-schools
• Gulf News, Dubai private schools revise October mid-term break dates for 2026-27 (4 September 2026): https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/dubai-schools-october-mid-term-break-dates-2026-27-1.500663256
• Gulf News, October mid-term school break moved forward (8 September 2026): https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/october-mid-term-school-break-moved-forward-uae-parents-rebook-flights-and-change-holiday-plans-1.500666263
• Khaleej Times, 9-day school break in UAE as Dubai schools revise October half-term dates (7 September 2026): https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/education/when-is-next-school-holiday-october-half-term-break