School holidays are a crucial part of the academic calendar in the UAE, offering students, parents, and educators a chance to recharge and refocus.
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One of the most anticipated breaks in 2025 is the UAE School Mid-Term Break, set for February. This break not only provides a pause from the classroom but also aligns with the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, expected to begin on March 1. With schools adjusting schedules for shorter days during Ramadan, the mid-term break is a valuable opportunity to reset.
As families plan ahead, understanding the UAE school holidays 2025 and UAE academic holidays 2025 becomes essential. These breaks, including the mid-term pause, are carefully planned to balance learning and well-being. In this guide, we’ll explore the key dates, their significance, and how to make the most of these well-deserved breaks.
Up to 9-Day Break Ahead of Ramadan – February 2025
Mid-Term Break Variations:
Schools in the UAE are gearing up for a mid-term break in February 2025, with different durations depending on the institution:
9-Day Break: From Monday, February 10, to Friday, February 14, including the preceding and following weekends. This extended break allows families to plan longer trips or enjoy quality time together.
5-Day Break: From Wednesday, February 12, to Friday, February 14, including the weekend. This shorter break is ideal for families looking for a quick getaway or a relaxed staycation.
4-Day Break: From Thursday, February 13, to Friday, February 14, combined with the weekend. This option is perfect for those who prefer a brief pause before returning to the academic routine.
Ramadan Adjustments:
The mid-term break precedes the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on March 1, 2025. During Ramadan, schools will operate on shorter hours to accommodate the spiritual and physical needs of students and staff. Educators have emphasized that syllabi will be adjusted to ensure learning continuity, maintaining a balanced approach to academics during this period.
Quotes from Educators
Lisa Johnson (Principal, American Academy for Girls):
“Short breaks are essential for student well-being. They help reduce stress, improve focus, and create a more balanced learning environment. Periodic pauses are not just beneficial—they are necessary for long-term academic success.”
Neetha Shetty (Principal, Al Diyafah High School):
“Before the mid-term break, we ensure that a significant portion of the curriculum is covered—around 60–70% for senior classes and 50–60% for primary classes. Breaks also provide educators with a much-needed opportunity to recharge, which is critical for maintaining a high standard of teaching.”
Lisa Passante (Principal, Star International School, Al Twar):
“Aligning holidays across schools is important for families with children in different institutions. This year, many schools have opted for a three-day break to balance the need for rest without disrupting the academic flow too significantly.”
UAE School Holidays and Public Holidays 2025
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the UAE school holidays 2025 and UAE public holidays 2025, including key dates, adjustments for Ramadan, and tips for planning. The information is optimized for clarity and relevance, ensuring you have all the details needed to plan ahead.
1. UAE School Holidays 2025
The UAE academic year is divided into three terms, with breaks in between. Below is a detailed breakdown of the school holidays for 2025:
Flexibility for Private Schools: Private schools may adjust break durations to meet the minimum 182 school days requirement, with some offering additional flexibility for foreign curricula.
Ramadan Adjustments: Schools will operate on shorter hours during Ramadan (expected to begin on March 1, 2025), with syllabi adjusted to maintain learning continuity.
UAE Public Holidays 2025 – Off Days for Schools
The UAE public holidays are based on the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, with dates subject to moon sightings. Below is a list of confirmed and predicted public holidays for 2025:
Ramadan: Expected to begin on March 1, 2025, with shorter working hours but no official public holiday.
Long Weekends: Public holidays falling on weekends may be moved to create extended breaks, except for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
3. Tips for Planning Around Holidays
Book Early: Popular holiday periods like winter and spring breaks see increased travel demand. Book flights and accommodations early to secure better deals.
Local Activities: During shorter breaks, explore local attractions, glamping spots, or staycations.
Ramadan Considerations: Plan activities around shorter school and work hours, and respect cultural practices during this holy month.
4. Key Takeaways
The UAE school holidays 2025 include a winter break (3 weeks), mid-term break (up to 9 days), spring break (2 weeks), and summer break (8.2 weeks).
Public holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day offer opportunities for extended breaks and celebrations.
Private schools have flexibility in adjusting holiday dates, but all schools must meet the minimum 182 school days requirement.
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Academic Calendar for UAE Schools: April-Start vs. September-Start
The UAE offers two distinct academic calendars for schools: April-start and September-start. Each follows a unique schedule tailored to meet the needs of students, families, and educators while adhering to the guidelines set by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). Below is a detailed breakdown of both systems, including term dates, breaks, and public holidays.
1. April-Start Schools: Academic Calendar 2024-2025
April-start schools follow a calendar that begins in April and concludes in March of the following year. This schedule is particularly popular among schools with international curricula, offering flexibility and alignment with global academic standards.
Summer Break: July 1, 2024 – August 25, 2024 (8 weeks)
Winter Break: December 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025 (3 weeks)
Spring Break: March 24, 2025 – April 7, 2025 (2 weeks)
Schools have the flexibility to adjust their closing date within March 2025, provided they meet the minimum 182 school days requirement.
Public holidays, such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day, are integrated into the calendar, offering additional days off.
2. September-Start Schools: Academic Calendar 2024-2025
September-start schools align closely with international academic calendars, making it easier for expatriate families to plan their schedules. This system is widely adopted by schools following British, American, and other global curricula.
Winter Break: December 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025 (3 weeks)
Spring Break: March 24, 2025 – April 7, 2025 (2 weeks)
Summer Break: June 28, 2025 – August 25, 2025 (8 weeks)
Public holidays are observed uniformly across all schools, ensuring consistency for families with children in different institutions.
The calendar is designed to minimize disruptions during key cultural and religious events, allowing students and staff to fully participate in celebrations.
Importance of Mid-Term Breaks
Mid-term breaks are a crucial part of the academic calendar, offering benefits for students, educators, and the overall learning process. Here’s a detailed look at their importance:
1. Benefits for Students
Improved Focus: Short breaks help students reset their minds, allowing them to return to school with renewed concentration and energy.
Reduced Stress: A pause from academic pressures provides students with time to relax, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Enhanced Well-Being: Breaks contribute to better mental and physical health, fostering a balanced lifestyle that supports long-term academic success.
2. Benefits for Educators
Opportunity to Recharge: Teaching is a demanding profession, and breaks allow educators to rest and recover, preventing burnout.
Enhanced Productivity: A well-rested teacher is more effective in the classroom, delivering quality lessons and engaging with students more meaningfully.
Professional Development: Breaks provide time for educators to attend workshops, plan lessons, or pursue further training.
3. Curriculum Planning
Balanced Progress: Schools plan mid-term breaks in advance, ensuring that the syllabus is evenly distributed and key topics are covered before the break.
Syllabus Coverage: Educators use breaks as checkpoints to assess progress and adjust teaching strategies to meet academic goals.
Flexibility: Breaks are strategically placed to align with national holidays, religious observances, and seasonal activities, ensuring minimal disruption to learning.
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Tips for Parents during School Breaks
School breaks are an excellent opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories. Here are some practical tips for parents to make the most of these periods:
1. Planning Family Trips
Book Early: Popular travel periods like winter and spring breaks see high demand. Secure flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and higher costs.
Staycations: If traveling abroad isn’t feasible, explore local destinations, resorts, or glamping spots within the UAE.
Budget-Friendly Options: Look for family-friendly deals or packages during off-peak travel times.
2. Engaging Activities
Local Attractions: Visit UAE landmarks, museums, or theme parks like Dubai Parks and Resorts, Ferrari World, or the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Sports and Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the cooler weather by organizing family hikes, beach days, or sports activities.
Educational Workshops: Enroll children in workshops or camps that focus on arts, coding, or science to keep them engaged and learning.
3. Supporting Learning
Light Revision: Encourage children to spend a small portion of their break reviewing key concepts or completing unfinished assignments.
Reading Time: Promote reading by visiting libraries or bookstores and setting aside time for family reading sessions.
Skill Development: Use the break to explore new hobbies or skills, such as cooking, painting, or learning a new language.
Key Takeaways
Mid-term breaks are essential for the well-being of both students and educators, helping them recharge and maintain a balanced academic life.
Parents can use school breaks to plan family trips, engage in local activities, and support their children’s learning in fun and creative ways.
By planning ahead and making the most of these breaks, families can create meaningful experiences while ensuring academic momentum is maintained.
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FAQs
1. How Long is Summer Break in the UAE?
Duration: The summer break in the UAE typically lasts 8.2 weeks.
Timing: For most schools, the summer break runs from late June to late August.
April-Start Schools: Summer break begins on July 1, 2025, and ends on August 25, 2025.
September-Start Schools: Summer break starts after June 27, 2025, and concludes by August 25, 2025.
2. What is the Academic Year in the UAE?
The UAE academic year is divided into three terms:
Term 1: August/September to December.
Term 2: January to March.
Term 3: April to June.
Total Duration: The academic year runs for 185 school days, ensuring a balanced learning experience.
3. What is the School Cycle in the UAE?
The school cycle in the UAE is structured into three terms:
First Term: Focuses on foundational learning and assessments.
Second Term: Includes mid-year exams and deeper curriculum exploration.
Third Term: Culminates in final exams and year-end evaluations.
Flexibility: Private schools can adjust term dates slightly to accommodate foreign curricula, but they must meet the minimum 182 school days requirement.
4. What Date Does School Start in the UAE?
September-Start Schools: The academic year begins on August 26, 2025.
April-Start Schools: The academic year starts on April 1, 2025.
5. How Many Holidays Are There in the UAE in 2025?
Public Holidays: The UAE observes 11 public holidays in 2025, including:
New Year’s Day: January 1.
Eid Al Fitr: March 31 – April 2.
Arafat Day: June 5.
Eid Al Adha: June 6–8.
Islamic New Year: June 26.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: September 4.
Commemoration Day: December 1.
UAE National Day: December 2–3.
School Breaks: These include winter break (3 weeks), spring break (2 weeks), and summer break (8.2 weeks).
6. What is the Academic Year for 2024-25 in the UAE?
Start Date: August 26, 2024.
End Date: June 27, 2025.
Key Breaks:
Winter Break: December 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
Spring Break: March 24 – April 13, 2025.
7. What Grade is Year 7 in the UAE?
Year 7 corresponds to Grade 7 in the UAE education system, typically for students aged 12–13 years old.
8. Is Today a Holiday in the UAE?
Today’s Date: January 22, 2025.
Holiday Status: No, today is not a public holiday in the UAE. The next public holiday is Eid Al Fitr, expected to begin on March 31, 2025.
9. How Many School Days Are Required in the UAE?
Minimum Requirement: All schools in the UAE must have a minimum of 182 school days per academic year.
10. Can Private Schools Adjust Holiday Dates?
Flexibility: Yes, private schools can adjust holiday dates to accommodate foreign curricula, as long as they meet the minimum 182 school days requirement.
11. What is the Winter Break in the UAE?
Duration: The winter break typically lasts 3 weeks.
Dates: For the 2024-25 academic year, the winter break runs from December 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Purpose: This break allows families to enjoy cooler weather and plan trips during the holiday season.
12. What is the Spring Break in the UAE?
Duration: The spring break usually lasts 2 weeks.
Dates: For the 2024-25 academic year, the spring break is scheduled from March 24 to April 7, 2025.
Significance: This break often coincides with Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, providing families with time to celebrate and rest.
13. How Many Terms Are There in the UAE Academic Year?
Number of Terms: The UAE academic year is divided into 3 terms:
Term 1: August/September to December.
Term 2: January to March.
Term 3: April to June.
Purpose: This structure ensures a balanced distribution of the curriculum and regular breaks for students and teachers.
14. What is the Duration of Ramadan Holidays in the UAE?
Ramadan Adjustments: Schools operate on shorter hours during Ramadan, but there are no official holidays unless they coincide with Eid Al Fitr.
Eid Al Fitr Break: Typically lasts 3–4 days, depending on moon sightings.
15. Are There Differences Between Public and Private School Calendars?
Public Schools: Follow a fixed calendar set by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Private Schools: Have flexibility to adjust term dates and holidays, provided they meet the minimum 182 school days requirement.
16. What is the Significance of Eid Al Adha in the UAE School Calendar?
Duration: Eid Al Adha holidays typically last 3–4 days.
Dates: In 2025, Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on June 6–8.
Impact: Schools close during this period, allowing families to celebrate and participate in religious activities.
17. How Do Schools Handle UAE National Day Holidays?
Duration: UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2–3 each year.
School Closures: Schools close for these dates, often creating a long weekend for families to enjoy festivities.
18. What is the Role of the KHDA in UAE School Calendars?
KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority): Oversees private schools in Dubai, ensuring they meet academic standards and adhere to the minimum 182 school days requirement.
Flexibility: KHDA allows private schools to adjust their calendars to align with international curricula.
19. How Do Schools Plan for Public Holidays?
Advance Notice: Schools inform parents of public holiday dates at the start of the academic year.
Curriculum Adjustments: Teachers plan lessons to accommodate holidays, ensuring no disruption to learning outcomes.
20. What is the Importance of the 182 School Days Requirement?
Purpose: Ensures that students receive adequate instructional time to meet academic goals.
Flexibility: Schools can adjust term lengths and breaks as long as they fulfill this requirement.
21. How Do Schools Manage Shorter Days During Ramadan?
Reduced Hours: School days are shortened to accommodate fasting students and staff.
Curriculum Adjustments: Teachers modify lesson plans to ensure syllabus coverage without overburdening students.
22. What is the Role of the UAE Ministry of Education in School Calendars?
Oversight: The Ministry sets guidelines for public schools, including term dates and holidays.
Consistency: Ensures uniformity across public schools while allowing private schools some flexibility.
23. How Can Parents Stay Updated on School Holidays?
School Communication: Parents receive updates via newsletters, emails, or school apps.
Official Websites: Check the UAE Ministry of Education or KHDA websites for official announcements.
24. What is the Impact of Long Weekends on School Schedules?
Extended Breaks: Public holidays falling on weekends often result in long weekends.
Curriculum Planning: Schools adjust schedules to ensure no loss of instructional time.
25. How Do Schools Celebrate UAE National Day?
Activities: Schools organize cultural events, performances, and activities to celebrate UAE heritage.
Learning: Students learn about the history and significance of the UAE’s unification.
26. What is the Role of the Federal Government in Setting Public Holidays?
Authority: The Federal Government announces public holiday dates, often based on moon sightings for Islamic holidays.
Consistency: Ensures uniformity across all emirates.
27. How Do Schools Handle Unexpected Holidays?
Contingency Plans: Schools adjust lesson plans and exam schedules to accommodate unexpected closures.
Communication: Parents are notified promptly through official channels.
28. What is the Significance of Commemoration Day in the UAE?
Date: Observed on December 1 each year.
Purpose: Honors Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
School Closures: Schools close for the day, allowing students and staff to participate in commemorative events.
29. How Do Schools Support Students During Breaks?
Homework: Light assignments or reading lists to maintain academic momentum.
Workshops: Optional workshops or camps for skill development.
30. What is the Role of Parents During School Breaks?
Planning: Organize family trips or local activities to make the most of breaks.
Support: Encourage children to balance relaxation with light academic engagement.