If you're living in the United Arab Emirates or planning a move, understanding the UAE school holidays for 2025 is crucial for planning family vacations, childcare, and academic scheduling. The UAE follows an academic year system that is set by the Ministry of Education, with slight variations across public and private schools, as well as between different emirates and curriculum types (such as British, American, or Indian curriculums). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the UAE school holidays in 2025, including term dates, public holidays, and mid-term breaks to help parents and students plan ahead.
Understanding the UAE School System
The UAE school system is divided between:
Public Schools (run by the Ministry of Education, mostly Arabic curriculum)
Private Schools (offering various international curriculums)
Private schools in the UAE operate under slightly different schedules depending on their curriculum, but the academic year generally follows one of two patterns:
September to June (Common for British, IB, and American schools)
April to March (Followed by many Indian curriculum schools)
Official UAE School Holidays 2025 (Ministry Guidelines)
The UAE Ministry of Education usually releases an academic calendar that applies to both public and private schools. While private schools may have some flexibility, they must operate a minimum number of school days.
Here are the UAE school holidays and academic terms expected in 2025 (subject to final confirmation):
For Schools Following September–June Academic Year:
Term 2 Start: January 5, 2025
Spring Break: March 30 to April 10, 2025
(Some schools may vary slightly)Term 3 Start: April 13, 2025
End of Academic Year: June 27, 2025
(Last week may vary depending on curriculum)
Summer Break (Major Holiday):
Start of Summer Holidays: June 28, 2025
End of Summer Holidays: Around August 31 to September 1, 2025
This extended break is the longest of the year and is a popular time for families to travel.
For Indian Curriculum Schools (April–March Academic Year):
New Academic Year Start: April 1, 2025
Summer Break: Late June to late August 2025
Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to Early January 2026
These schools typically observe two shorter breaks (summer and winter), aligning with the Indian academic structure.
Public Holidays Affecting Schools in 2025
In addition to the standard UAE school holidays, schools will also close for national and Islamic public holidays. These dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and may vary depending on moon sightings. Here are the estimated dates for 2025:
Eid Al Fitr: Expected around March 29 to April 1, 2025
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha: Around June 5 to June 8, 2025
Hijri New Year: June 27, 2025
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH): Likely around September 2, 2025
UAE National Day: December 2-3, 2025
These public holidays are usually observed by all schools across the UAE.
Planning Around UAE School Holidays
Whether you're a parent or an educator, planning around the UAE school holidays helps avoid disruptions and ensures a smooth academic flow. Here are a few tips:
Book Travel Early: Peak travel seasons during the spring and summer breaks can lead to high airfares. Booking early helps save money.
Enrichment Activities: Use long breaks like summer holidays to engage children in camps, online learning, or skill development.
Stay Updated: Schools often provide their individual calendars at the start of the year. Always refer to your child’s school for the most accurate dates.
Conclusion
The UAE school holidays for 2025 provide several breaks throughout the year, including spring, summer, and winter vacations, as well as public holidays. While the Ministry of Education sets the framework, actual term dates and holidays can vary slightly depending on the school’s curriculum and location. By staying informed and planning ahead, parents can make the most of these breaks for family time, rest, and development opportunities.
Whether you're a resident or a newcomer, keeping track of the UAE school holidays ensures you stay organized, prepared, and aligned with the educational rhythm of the country.
