UAE schools to begin three week winter break on December 14

Parents across the UAE can begin planning their winter holidays, with schools set to close for a three-week break from December 14, 2026, giving students time to unwind before the second academic term begins in January.

Under the 2026–2027 academic calendar, the last day of classes will be Friday, December 11, while the winter holiday will run from Monday, December 14, to Sunday, January 3, 2027. Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, January 4. The break covers three full weeks, including weekends, and applies to schools following the standard September-start academic calendar.

Dubai private schools

Private schools in Dubai, regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), are scheduled to observe the winter break from December 14 to January 3. Classes will resume on January 4, 2027, for schools following the September-start calendar.

However, parents whose children attend schools operating on an April-start academic year should check the institution's approved calendar, as holiday schedules may differ.

Sharjah private schools

Private schools in Sharjah, overseen by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), will also begin their winter holidays on December 14.

Students are expected to return to classrooms on January 4, 2027, under the September-start academic calendar. Parents are advised to check with individual schools for any specific arrangements or changes to the published schedule.

UAE public schools

Public schools across the UAE will follow the academic calendar issued by the Ministry of Education (MoE). The winter break will begin on December 14 and continue until January 3, with students returning on January 4 to begin the second academic term.

Do all UAE schools follow the same winter break dates?

Not necessarily. While public schools and private schools following the September-start academic calendar share the December 14 to January 3 holiday window, some private institutions operate on an April-start academic year.

Their term dates and holiday schedules may therefore differ. Parents are encouraged to confirm the dates directly with their children's schools before booking flights or finalising holiday plans, particularly as individual institutions may have specific calendar arrangements.