Academic Calendar
Dubai School Term Dates & Academic Calendar
By School Compass Editorial Team • Last verified: November 2026 • 5 Min Read
Quick Answer: Unified Framework
In Dubai, private school calendars are governed by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) Ministerial Decree and KHDA guidelines. All private schools must provide a minimum of 182 instructional days per academic year. The school year is split into three terms, with unified dates for winter, spring, and summer breaks.
1. September-to-June Schools (British, American, IB, French)
The vast majority of international private schools in Dubai operate on the standard September-to-June academic cycle:
| Term / Break | Typical Duration | Regulatory Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 (Autumn) | Late August / Early Sept – Mid December | Schools may take a 1-week mid-term break in late October. |
| Winter Break | 3 Full Weeks | Mandatory 3-week winter holiday starting mid-December across all curricula. |
| Term 2 (Spring) | Early January – Late March | Schools may take a mid-term break in mid-February. |
| Spring Break | 2 Full Weeks | Usually scheduled in late March to early April. |
| Term 3 (Summer) | Mid April – Late June / Early July | Academic year cannot conclude before the official date set by MoE (typically late June). |
| Summer Holiday | 7–8 Weeks | Schools resume for the new academic year in late August. |
2. April-to-March Schools (Indian CBSE & ICSE)
Schools following the Indian curriculum begin their academic year in early April:
- Term 1: April through late June / early July.
- Summer Holiday: July and August (aligned with all other Dubai schools).
- Term 2: Late August through December (with 3-week winter break).
- Term 3 & Board Exams: January through late March. Short end-of-year transition break before April kickoff.
3. Official UAE Public Holidays
All private schools in Dubai close on official UAE public holidays declared by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR). These include:
- UAE National Day / Commemoration Day (December 1–3).
- New Year’s Day (January 1).
- Eid Al Fitr (subject to Islamic lunar sighting).
- Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (subject to Islamic lunar sighting).
- Islamic New Year and Prophet’s Birthday (subject to lunar calendar).
Official Citation: UAE Cabinet Resolution on the Unified School Calendar & KHDA Guidelines for Academic Calendars. Individual school calendars can be verified on the official KHDA Directory.