This year marks the introduction of a four-week UAE Winter break for schools in the UAE’s inaugural unified academic calendar. However, the holiday is going to run from the 8th of December 2025 to the 4th of January 2026. As expected, the announcement has brought excitement for many families. Unfortunately, not all students are going to benefit from the extended breaks.
According to the MoE of the UAE, the unified calendar applies to the public and private schools of the country that follow the MoE Curriculum and particular international curricula. Moreover, institutes that follow the new calendar have welcomed the move.
Shagufa Kidwai, Pristine Private School principal in Dubai, said, “It provides students with much-needed time to reboot while other learners can strengthen their learning and prepare themselves for the upcoming assignments.” She highlights that the prolonged break is a positive change via this statement.
She also highlights that the academic plans of schools will not be affected. So, it ensures that the extended period will not affect the curriculum delivery.
Indian and Pakistani Curriculum Schools Exempt
Dubai schools that follow the Indian CBSE curriculum will maintain their usual three-week winter holiday.
Zubair Ahmad, managing director of Springdales School in Dubai, explained, “India’s education boards align with our academic calendar. The new unified calendar does not apply to us, and our existing Mid-term planning will not be modified. “
Similarly, Pakistani curriculum schools in Dubai will also follow the shorter break in winter. Therefore, Shamaela Ahmad, Pakistan Education Academy principal, confirmed that their April-to-March academic year structure does not match the new calendar of the MoE.
Northern Emirates: Unified Calendar Applies
Besides Dubai, CBSE or Indian schools in the northern emirates, like Ajman, must follow the new four-week UAE winter break. Muhammad Ali Kottakkulam, Cosmopolitan International Indian School principal, Ajman, said, “As per the MoE guidelines, all private schools in the Northern Emirates must follow the unified academic calendar.”
Extra Classes for Senior Students during the UAE winter breaks
Some schools are maintaining academics with rest by holding extra classes during the winter breaks in the UAE. For example, Credence High School in Dubai is going to offer revision sessions for Grade 10 and 23 students to help them prepare for the upcoming board exams in March 2026.
Meanwhile, other schools plan to use the extended holiday for winter coaching camps, creative workshops, and international study tours. It will help students to keep learning beyond the classroom.
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[…] UAE Schools to See First-Ever Four-Week UAE Winter Break in 2025—But Not for Everyone […]