Schools across the UAE are already sending out notices about the winter break, and it’s a good thing; they are giving families plenty of time to sort out plans. With the academic year just getting underway, these early alerts mean you can book flights or lock in staycations without the usual rush. For the 2025-2026 year, most students are looking at a full four-week break, up from the three weeks of past years.
This post covers the key details on the early winter break, from the dates to why schools are announcing it now, and tips to help you plan. If you are a parent juggling work and family trips, you will find straightforward info here to make the holidays smoother.
Schools Start Sending Winter Break Notices Early
UAE schools are ahead of the curve this year, sharing winter break details right as the new term begins. The Ministry of Education approved the 2025-2026 calendar back in April for some curricula and early August for others, and now places like GEMS schools and Pristine Private School are emailing parents and posting updates on their apps.
The reason? Parents often ask for dates early to handle travel bookings, especially with holiday flights filling up fast. As one school leader noted, clear communication cuts down on uncertainty during busy times like December. This approach came from parent feedback; last year’s last-minute scrambles led to higher prices and stress, so schools are stepping up.
Not every school follows the same timeline. Asian curriculum schools (like Indian or Pakistani) got their calendars in April, while international ones saw theirs in September. Either way, the early heads-up lets everyone prepare without pulling kids from class early.
Official Dates for the Winter Break
The dates of winter break are established and aligned with the unified academic calendar, and they remain consistent for most public and private educational institutions. The end date for the first term is Sunday, December 7, 2025. School breaks for winter run from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. That’s 28 days of break for winter for students, returning to school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Here’s a quick rundown:
First term ends: December 7, 2025
Break period: December 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Classes resume: January 5, 2026
Length: Four weeks (extended from three)
Keep in mind, yet do know that many schools will adjust by one day depending on their board; however, the Ministry dates are applicable in general. Moreover, the National Day holidays would land on December 2 and 3, which, like some schools, could only leave public school learners with three more school days in the term, December 4 and 5. Find your school’s full academic calendar by downloading it from the Ministry calendar, or by checking your school’s portal for the calendar that fits your school.
After all, the full year runs from August 25, 2025, to July 3, 2026, and the spring break is from March 16 to 29, 2026. Public schools will stick close to the full-year calendar, and then the private schools can have a little more programmatic leeway as long as they meet the minimum 182 instruction days
The Extension to Four Weeks: What’s Behind It
The change to four weeks is more than just a longer break; it is also a calculated move in the context of the unified calendar to ensure alignment with the norms of life in the UAE. Most of the population are expats, and breaks away from school typically involve going home, heading somewhere cooler, and three weeks is not enough time for long-distance travel.
After hearing from parents and schools, the Ministry of Education, KHDA in Dubai, and ADEK in Abu Dhabi decided to make this change. The overall number of school days remains unchanged at 182; so, the number of school days is distributed across just one more week. One principal explained that it offers families a real break and allows children to come back to school feeling rested and refreshed. Teachers also benefit from extra time, which should help them with planning and pacing for the second term.
Not every school is eligible; schools in the Indian, Pakistani, and Japanese systems will not benefit from this yet, as they are still following their boards. For schools on the unified track (MoE or some internationals), this will result in less rushing around Christmas and New Year’s.
Planning Tips to Handle the Longer Break
A four-week break sounds nice, but you really need to think through how to keep everyone occupied. If you’re planning on travelling, begin with that and start striking deals on flights and hotels using a site such as Skyscanner, before prices start skyrocketing come December. Locally, consider travel to places within the UAE, such as mountain locations in Ras Al Khaimah or beach locations in Fujairah all safe and quick destinations.
Involve the family early in planning some of the activities. Start with a brainstorming session and write down all of the ideas: some may be as elaborate as going to Georgia for some snow, or as simple as board games and puzzles at home, or a few trips to the parks. You will also need to budget in extra food and some extra activities, or if you leave the pet with a sitter while you travel, you will need to account for that and include pets in your budget. One tip I have found that has been floating around is to alternate bigger outings with staying home and relaxing so that no one starts to feel burnt out.
If you are staying put, check to see if there are any community events scheduled, such as holiday markets in Dubai or light shows in Abu Dhabi. Parents can also add in a little structure and routine that is easy for kids to do without feeling like they are doing schoolwork by downloading one of the free apps that suggest simple crafts or stories.
Extra Classes for Some Students
Teens who are preparing for board exams may have the chance for optional sessions just ahead of the break. Organizations like KHDA have schools running catch-up in the months preceding the board exam. For grades 10 and 12, the focus will be on core topics like math or science. When we finish, it will be in time for the holiday, so the holiday can remain largely free.
More importantly, this is entirely optional to build that sense of confidence and learning without the level of anxiety associated with the exams. If that’s your situation, reach out to your child/teacher for a quick overview. Younger students will remain with their full break, perhaps with some small exceptions.
Conclusion: Make the Break Work for Your Family
The early winter break notifications from UAE schools are a sensible option, allowing you to extend four weeks of vacation into reliable family time. From December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, this break provides you with an opportunity to get refreshed ahead of the return to school on January 5.
Check your school mailing list or website for updates, and start planning today. Whether it’s booking flights home or spending a slow week in the garden, those extra days will help you bring everyone down.
