UAE school winter break 2026–2027: December 14 to January 3

For the 2026–2027 academic year, students across the UAE will have a three-week winter break before returning to classrooms in January. Public schools across the UAE follow the academic calendar issued by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Under the 2026–2027 academic calendar, the winter break begins on Monday, December 14, 2026, and continues until Sunday, January 3, 2027. Students will return to school on Monday, January 4, 2027, marking the start of the second academic term. Private schools in Dubai are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). For schools following the September-start academic calendar, the winter break is scheduled from December 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with classes resuming on January 4. Private schools in Sharjah fall under the supervision of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). For schools following the 2026–2027 September-start academic calendar, the winter holiday is scheduled to begin on December 14, with students returning to classrooms on January 4, 2027. While the December 14 to January 3 holiday applies to schools following the standard September-start calendar, some private schools operate on different academic schedules. Parents should check the calendar published by their child's school before finalising travel plans.