UAE's New Four-Week Winter Break Unveiled

UAE Schools Winter Break: Four Weeks of Family and Community Rejuvenation

The United Arab Emirates' education system is introducing a new change in the winter of 2025, which could be a pleasant surprise for many families: instead of the usual three weeks, students will receive a four-week winter break after the first semester of this school year. According to the pre-announced dates, the break will start on December 8, 2025, and last until January 4, 2026, with schools reopening on January 5.

This decision doesn't merely affect the logistical operations of educational institutions, but it significantly impacts family life, enabling longer and better-planned trips, as well as more shared time in one of the most festive periods of the year. The longer winter break is driven not only by the need for rest but also by the intention that students have ample time to recharge, participate in community events, and return to the second semester in a more balanced manner.

Forward-Planned School Year, Calmer Family Life

The UAE Ministry of Education approved the official calendar for the 2025–2026 school year months before the start of school, accepted by every educational authority operating in the emirates. The school year began in April for schools following the Asian curriculum, while for institutions with an international curriculum, it started in September.

Most schools are already reminding parents of the dates of the winter break, aiding in aligning early travel plans with school commitments. This foresighted communication is particularly important as airline ticket prices often surge during the winter period, and booking trips in advance can lead to significant financial savings.

The Importance of Communication Between Schools and Families

UAE schools increasingly recognize that transparent communication is crucial in maintaining trust between parents and school communities. Many institutions share the complete school year calendar at the beginning of the year and then send reminders before each segment via various channels, such as circulars, applications, or parent portals.

This transparency also helps maintain student focus until the last days, as there's no uncertainty about when the break starts. Meanwhile, schools emphasize that studies take priority, and if a trip occurs, it should be scheduled within the official holiday period.

Extra Classes for Exam Takers

Not every school stops entirely during the winter period. Institutions with upper-grade students often hold extra classes, particularly for Grades 10 and 12. These aim to prepare for final exams and to reinforce the curriculum before the second semester.

The first semester's final exams typically take place by the end of October, while the so-called "pre-board" exams occur at the end of November and early December. Consequently, there’s little formal exam time during the winter break, but preparations can continue during this period.

Parents Welcome the Early Announcement

The early announcement of the exact dates of the winter break is warmly received by families, many of whom travel back to their homelands during this time, visit grandparents and relatives, or organize holidays for the children.

The pre-announced break allows for purchasing airline tickets at discounted rates, timely acquisition of travel documents, and simpler coordination of workplace leave. According to parents, this is especially important in a festive period such as Christmas and New Year, when organizing travel in a timely and cost-effective manner is inherently difficult.

Community and National Activities During the Break

The extended break is not solely about rest: schools, civil organizations, and municipalities organize numerous community programs during the winter break. These include cultural events, volunteer activities, sports events, and themed day camps, providing students with the opportunity to gather valuable experiences outside of school.

These programs often help develop children's social skills, strengthen community awareness, and ensure that their motivation for learning doesn’t decline over the lengthy break.

Seamless Continuation of the School Year in January

Schools aim for students to return to the classroom rested, motivated, and on time after the winter break. For the January 5 return, teachers are already preparing; typically, the first days welcome students with review classes, assessments, and project start-up activities.

Experience shows that the longer break doesn't negatively impact academic performance — in fact, rest contributes to students participating more focusedly in the second semester.

Summary

The 2025–2026 UAE school year winter break represents a new approach: the emphasis is on family togetherness, community experiences, and a longer opportunity for rejuvenation. The four-week holiday doesn’t just offer logistical ease but can also improve the quality of life for both students and their families.

The shared goal of schools, authorities, and parents is that this period of the school year isn’t just a break from studies but a time to strengthen social relationships, contribute to the emotional well-being of children, and ensure a balance between education and private life — the foundation of any successful school year.

(Based on a statement from the Ministry of Education (MoE).)