Dubai school term dates and holidays, 2026-27

Last checked against KHDA on 22 October 2026.

For Dubai private schools starting in September, the 2026-27 year runs from 31 August 2026 to 2 July 2027. Winter break starts on 14 December 2026, with classes resuming on 4 January 2027, and spring break starts on 5 April 2027, with classes resuming on 12 April, per KHDA. April start schools follow different dates.

Quick answer

KHDA publishes one academic calendar for all Dubai private schools, and every school must follow its start, end and holiday dates. For September start schools in 2026-27, the year starts on 31 August 2026 and ends on 2 July 2027, with at least 185 school days. For April start schools, the 2026-27 year started on 6 April 2026 and ends in the second half of March 2027, with at least 182 school days.

September start schools: key dates

These are the dates KHDA lists for schools whose year begins in August or September.

DateWhat happens
31 August 2026Start of the academic year
12 October 2026Start of the first mid-term break (KHDA lists this for MOE private schools only)
19 October 2026Classes resume after the first mid-term break (MOE private schools)
14 December 2026Start of winter break, all schools
4 January 2027Classes resume after winter break, all schools
5 April 2027Start of spring break, all schools
12 April 2027Classes resume after spring break, all schools
2 July 2027End of the academic year

April start schools: key dates

KHDA lists a separate calendar for schools whose year begins in April. The end date depends on each school meeting the required number of school days.

DateWhat happens
6 April 2026Start of the academic year
6 July 2026Start of summer break
31 August 2026Classes resume after summer break
14 December 2026Start of winter break
4 January 2027Classes resume after winter break
15 to 31 March 2027End of the academic year, subject to the school completing at least 182 school days

Mid-term breaks

The only mid-term break on the KHDA calendar is the October break for MOE private schools. Schools following other curricula set their own half-term dates within the KHDA calendar, so check your school's own calendar rather than assuming a UK style half-term.

Public holidays

KHDA says the calendar communicates public holidays tentatively. Religious holidays such as Eid depend on moon sightings and are confirmed by the UAE government closer to the time, so we do not list them as fixed dates here.

How to find your school's own calendar

Open your school's profile in the KHDA school directory and choose Academic Calendar. Each school's calendar shows its own mid-term breaks and any other days off, inside the dates above. Our school pages link to each school's official website.

Frequently asked questions

When does the 2026-27 school year start in Dubai?

On 31 August 2026 for September start schools, per KHDA. April start schools began their 2026-27 year on 6 April 2026.

When is winter break 2026?

Winter break starts on 14 December 2026 for all schools, and classes resume on 4 January 2027.

When is spring break 2027?

Spring break starts on 5 April 2027 for September start schools, and classes resume on 12 April 2027.

When does the 2026-27 school year end?

On 2 July 2027 for September start schools. April start schools end between 15 and 31 March 2027, once they have completed at least 182 school days.

Is there an October half-term?

KHDA lists a mid-term break from 12 October 2026 for MOE private schools only. Other schools set their own mid-term breaks, so check your school's calendar.

Where can I see my school's own calendar?

On the school's profile in the KHDA school directory, under Academic Calendar.

Related pages

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