UAE winter school holidays 2026: December 14 to January 1

The UAE winter school holidays for schools following the Ministry of Education's unified academic calendar will run from Monday, December 14, 2026, to Friday, January 1, 2027. The last school day will be Friday, December 11, with students returning to classrooms on Monday, January 4, 2027.

The three-week break is about a week shorter than last year's winter vacation, which ran from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The winter break also follows the UAE National Day holiday, which falls from Wednesday, December 2, to Friday, December 4.

School leaders are reminding parents that the final weeks of the academic term remain important for students, with examinations, classroom learning, sports events, performances and residential trips scheduled. Principals advise parents to check school calendars before confirming travel plans to avoid children missing curriculum learning, examinations or key activities in the final weeks of term.

For older students preparing for external examinations or assessments, maintaining academic routines and revision schedules through the final school days is particularly important. Schools encourage parents to plan travel with the school calendar in mind while also ensuring children have time to unwind and recharge during the holidays.