As the UAE prepares for an extended winter break, schools across the nation are bustling with activity to conclude the academic term. This year, international curriculum schools will enjoy a nearly four-week holiday, longer than the usual three-week break. The holiday period begins with National Day celebrations on December 2 and 3, followed by the main break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Classes are set to resume on January 5, providing students with ample time to rest, travel, and engage in community and national festivities. The Ministry of Education (MoE) had earlier approved a unified academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year, which began on August 25. Asian curriculum schools, which started in April, have slightly different schedules to align with home-country board exam requirements. Schools are now focused on wrapping up lessons, assessments, and parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) while preparing for upcoming events. At Woodlem American School in Ajman, Principal Marah Kaddoura emphasized the importance of clear communication and a well-structured calendar to manage the heavy workload. Preparations are also underway for National Day celebrations at the end of November. Meanwhile, Credence High School in Dubai is organizing enriching field trips, annual concerts, and sports days to bring the school community together. Senior students, particularly those in Grades 10 and 12, are maintaining their academic momentum as they approach pre-board examinations. At Ambassador School in Dubai, Principal Sheela Menon described the period as ‘an active and dynamic time for the entire school community,’ with summative assessments, inter- and intra-school events, and training sessions happening concurrently. Preparations for Term 3 mega events are also in full swing, adding to the excitement on campus.
Month-long holiday in UAE: Schools wrap up exams, field trips before winter break
