Diverse UAE School Breaks Explained

Winter Break in the UAE: Not All Schools Enjoy a Full Month

In the United Arab Emirates, efforts have been underway for years to unify school calendars across public and private institutions regardless of the curriculum applied. According to the new standardized academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, the first semester ends on December 8, followed by a full month winter break ending on January 5. However, this rule does not apply equally to all, especially not to schools following the Asian curriculum.

The Unified School Year and Exceptions

The aim of the official UAE academic calendar was to harmonize school operations and make life more predictable for parents and students. The new system applies to all schools, but its implementation varies, particularly for institutions following the Indian and Pakistani curriculum.

These schools follow a different academic year: while most international schools start in September, Asian curriculum schools begin in April. Consequently, the December break does not signify the end of the first semester but rather the end of the second third for them.

Shorter Winter Break for Asian Curriculum Schools

Most Indian and Pakistani curriculum schools close around December 15 for the winter break, giving their students and teachers a shorter, roughly three-week rest. Education resumes on January 5, just like in other schools—the difference lies not in the resumption of the school year but its start.

It is important to note that these institutions are required by UAE educational authorities to provide a minimum of 182 teaching days per year. Schools adjust their schedules and curriculum accordingly, ensuring the year-end period is part of planned teaching, not a “residual week.”

Parents’ Attitude Towards Lessons Before the Break

According to the management of Indian curriculum schools, the teaching week in mid-December does not pose significant issues among parents. Although some families travel earlier—such as for weddings—these requests are considered individually. Experience shows that most parents are aware of school attendance rules and act responsibly.

Teachers inform parents a month in advance about the expected curriculum, tasks, and exams, enabling families to plan ahead. Additionally, educators upload practice worksheets and organize lessons in a way that allows students who may miss class to catch up more easily.

December is Exam Preparation Time

December is particularly significant in the Indian curriculum because it is the period for preparing for year-end exams. For students in the grades preparing for the so-called “board exam,” these weeks can be crucial for their results. Teachers pay special attention to providing targeted preparation and strive to motivate every student.

Meanwhile, special attention is given to ensuring that younger students feel good. Teachers maintain motivation by offering creative, festive-themed lessons, playful activities, and interactive teaching, making the pre-break period enjoyable and beneficial.

What Happens in the Last Week Before Winter Break?

This period is far from being a “wind-down” week. Many Indian curriculum schools conduct mid-term assessments and organize targeted revisions in core subjects during this time. In terms of academic results, these days are as significant as the earlier parts of the year.

Teachers communicate exam dates, content, and expectations with parents in advance. As a result, parents cooperate with the school and do not frivolously request holidays for their children. Educational institutions pay special attention to appropriately documenting any absences to ensure they do not jeopardize academic progress.

Changes from April 2026

It is important to note that the new standardized academic year structure will be mandatory for Indian curriculum schools from April 2026. They will then also start the school year in September, aligning with other UAE schools according to the central calendar. This is expected to result in even greater harmonization and better planning for families and schools.

Until then, the differences remain, and Indian schools operate on their own schedule, adapting to their examination system and educational goals.

Summary

The UAE educational system is incredibly diverse, and this is reflected in the length of the winter break. While most schools enjoy a full-month break from December 8 to January 5, Indian and Pakistani curriculum schools have a shorter break, adapting to their academic calendar. However, this poses no problem as the number of teaching days, the quality of lessons, and parental cooperation all ensure that students continue to progress seamlessly—even before the break.

(Source of the article based on Ministry of Education announcement.)