For schools operating on a Monday-to-Friday week, the final teaching day before the break will be December 11. This gives pupils a full three weeks away from the classroom before the start of term two, offering ample time for rest and family activities.

Ministry of Education sets the schedule

The Ministry of Education’s three-year calendar overview confirms the winter break will run from December 14 to January 3, 2027. As January 2 and 3 fall on the weekend, schools will reopen on January 4. This scheduling ensures a consistent return date across all schools following the Ministry curriculum, simplifying planning for both educators and families.

This calendar applies to both public schools and private schools following the Ministry curriculum. The academic year, which began on August 31, 2026, includes 185 school days and a midterm break from October 12 to 16. The structured calendar aims to balance learning time with necessary breaks for student well-being.

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Assessments and public holidays

End-of-term assessments are scheduled for November 25 to 27 with a continuation period from December 7 to 11. This allows students to complete their exams before the break, reducing stress during the holiday period. The Ministry announced this three-year calendar on February 23, 2026, which also includes a spring break from April 5 and an academic year end on July 2, 2027.

It’s important to note that public holidays, such as UAE National Day in December and January 1 which falls within the winter break, are separate from school holidays. This distinction ensures that public holidays do not extend the official school break, maintaining the integrity of the academic calendar.

Dubai and Sharjah align with Ministry dates

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) have also aligned their calendars with the Ministry’s winter break dates. Most private schools in Sharjah will be closed from December 14 to 31, 2026 with classes resuming on January 4, 2027. SPEA schedules show that pupils following the September calendar will be in class from August 31 to December 10 before the winter recess, ensuring a clear and consistent break period.