The UAE’s Ministry of Education has issued a unified academic calendar for 2025–26 that bumps the winter break from three weeks to four weeks, running 8 December 2025 – 4 January 2026, with classes resuming on 5 January 2026. The change is intended to help families plan holidays and give students a longer rest but not every school will follow the dates in exactly the same way.
UAE school calendar 2025 winter break dates
UAE schools are set to enjoy a full four-week winter break in the upcoming academic year, extending the holiday from three weeks to four. According to the Ministry of Education’s unified calendar for 2025–26, the winter holidays will run from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with classes resuming on 5 January 2026. Schools must still meet the minimum number of instruction days set by regulators (for example, Dubai requires a minimum of 182 instructional days), so the longer winter break is absorbed by adjusting other term lengths rather than cutting teaching time.
Who actually gets four weeks — curriculum exceptions explained
The Ministry’s calendar is the national reference, yet some private schools that follow external curricula (not the MoE government curriculum) operate under previously approved calendars or local regulator rules. That means some CBSE (Indian) schools particularly in Dubai may keep a three-week winter break because their academic year starts at a different time.The MoE allows private schools not following the government curriculum limited flexibility for mid-term breaks (small windows in October and February) so they can meet operational needs, but this flexibility comes with conditions to keep the national year balanced.Bottom line for parents: check your child’s school notice (and your emirate’s regulator KHDA in Dubai, ADEC/ADEK in Abu Dhabi or local authority in Northern Emirates) because dates and mid-term arrangements can vary by curriculum and emirate.
What families can do during the holiday – travel, wellbeing and keeping learning on track
A month-long holiday opens up plenty of possibilities beyond the usual mall outings. Here are some fun ways families can make the most of the extended break:
- Travel Abroad: With a full month, families have the flexibility to plan longer international trips whether that’s a white Christmas in Europe, exploring Southeast Asia’s beaches, or visiting family back home without rushing.
- Staycations in the UAE: Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Ajman are already preparing festive packages. A desert camp under the stars or a beach villa staycation is a perfect short escape.
- Festive Events: December is the peak season for holiday markets, New Year’s fireworks, and special winter festivals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Families can catch everything from Dubai Shopping Festival shows to snowy fun at Ski Dubai.
- Enrichment & Camps: Many schools and community centres will run winter camps offering art, coding, sports, and adventure programmes, a great way to keep children active while parents work.
- Family Time at Home: For those not travelling, four weeks is the perfect chance to reset routines cooking together, reading challenges, movie marathons, or even small DIY projects at home.
Winter holiday camps and extra-curricular courses
- STEM & Tech Camps: Brainy n Bright Winter Camp, ideal for kids aged 6–16, this camp focuses on STEM education, offering hands-on experiences in robotics, AI, coding, app development, and 3D design. It’s a perfect opportunity for young minds to delve into the world of technology and innovation. Other options include, Futurise Winter Camp, catering to children aged 6–16, Futurise provides a blend of offline and online learning experiences. Activities include coding, robotics, and creative workshops, designed to inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts.
- Creative Arts & Cultural Exploration: Al Shindagha Museum Winter Camp, children aged 6–14 can embark on a 5-day immersive journey, engaging in interactive activities, artifact excavation, and restoration workshops. The Etihad Museum Winter Camp will be held from December 16–20 and 23–27, this camp invites children to delve into the nation’s history and culture through interactive activities and group challenges, fostering a deeper appreciation for the UAE’s founding fathers.
- Outdoor Adventures & Nature Camps: Absolute Adventure HERO Winter Camp offers both day and overnight options, this camp is perfect for children aged 8–13. Activities include desert safaris, mountain adventures, and watersports, providing a thrilling experience amidst nature. Expo City Dubai Winter Camp, designed for kids aged 5–12, this camp offers a range of engaging activities that promote learning and play in a dynamic environment.
- Performing Arts & Language Development: Kings’ Schools Winter Camps, the camp offers a mix of creative arts, sports, and academic enrichment activities, providing a well-rounded experience for children. Future Camp Dubai – this camp combines educational programs with gamification and motivational training, focusing on improving English language proficiency and introducing children to AI platforms, making learning both fun and effective.
- UAE families can look forward to a winter holiday that’s longer, more flexible, and full of opportunities to relax, recharge, and celebrate. Whether it’s a ski slope abroad, a desert camp at home, or festive lights in the city, this four-week break is set to make the end of the year extra memorable.
UAE families can look forward to a winter holiday that’s longer, more flexible, and full of opportunities to relax, recharge, and celebrate. Whether it’s a ski slope abroad, a desert camp at home, or festive lights in the city, this four-week break is set to make the end of the year extra memorable.
