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UAE Schools to Get 9-Day October Break as Dubai Schools Revise Half-Term Dates

Published

2 hours ago

September 7, 2026

Shorya

Dubai private schools are updating their 2026–2027 learning schedule to follow the UAE Ministry of Education’s consistent learning structure.

With the help of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), schools are transitioning the original September half-term break to October 12 – 16, 2026. Together with the surrounding weekends, the change generates a nine-day run of well-deserved school breaks for students and families.

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Nine-Day October School Holiday Explained

The holiday period kicks off this weekend (Oct. 10 and 11) and is being announced due to the five-day school closure between Monday, Oct 12 and Friday, Oct 16.

Families will then have one Saturday (October 17) and one Sunday (October 18) prior to the return of classes on Monday (October 19). This equates to a sustained 9 day absence from school.

KHDA and MOE Calendar Alignment

KHDA has also withheld the private schools in Dubai to adhere to the fixed academic dates that the Ministry of Education has sold. The alignment will help to ensure uniformity throughout the UAE education sector.

This is particularly important for schools that follow the UK, IB or US curricula and previously might have had half-term breaks later on in October. Schools are making adjustments to school time to attend to the prescribed 182 school days.

What Does the Break Means for Families?

The long October holiday offers students a chance to take a short holiday, travel regionally, or staycation without sacrificing instructional time.

The holidays span two weekends and five weekdays, so it could be a good time for extended trips as well. For families who might be interested in flights departing from Dubai International Airport or in Northern Emirates resorts, early planning may help.

Schools Prepare for Revised Academic Schedules

Planning of teaching schedules, staff development days and curriculum for the calendar adjustment should be carefully coordinated. In some countries, especially in international schools, the redesign of the planned academic activities may be necessary.

Even if schools share the same bigger level unified calendar, parents remain important when it comes to their child’s individual calendar, as implementation details may differ.

FAQs

What will happen to schools when they come back after break?

School will resume Monday, October 19, 2026.

Why are Dubai schools switching dates?

The private schools have adapted their schools ` calendars in order to synchronize the closure of mid-term with the UAE Ministry of Education’s uniform academic calendar.

Are there schools in other countries to be affected?

Yes. Calendar adjustments to meet the United calendar and unified instructional-day requirements are being made at each of the schools following a UK, IB, or US curriculum.