The summer holiday is the longest break in the UAE schools calendar, giving students and families several weeks away from the classroom before the new academic year begins

If you’re planning a family holiday, organising childcare or simply looking ahead, UAE schools have already confirmed calendar dates through to 2029.

Planning ahead? Here’s when schools break up

Students in Dubai will finish the current academic year on Friday July 3, 2026, marking the start of the summer break.

The following academic year will begin on Monday August 31, 2026 and run until Friday July 2, 2027.

For the 2027-2028 academic year, schools will reopen on Monday August 30, 2027, with the school year ending on Friday June 30, 2028.

Looking even further ahead, the 2028-2029 academic year is scheduled to begin on Saturday August 26, 2028 and finish on Friday June 29, 2029.

While exact dates vary slightly each year, the pattern remains the same, with schools closing in late June or early July and students returning towards the end of August.

Also read: The top 21 schools in Dubai and their fees

Important changes for parents of younger children

Parents preparing to enrol children in school should also be aware of updated admission requirements coming into effect from the 2026-2027 academic year.

For schools that begin their academic year in August or September, the age cut-off date for admissions will move from August 31 to December 31.

Under the updated rules, children must reach the following ages by December 31 of the admission year:

  • Pre-KG: 3 years old
  • KG1: 4 years old
  • KG2: 5 years old
  • Grade 1: 6 years old

The change gives families additional flexibility when enrolling younger children and creates a consistent admissions framework across schools following the August-start academic calendar.

Why these dates matter

School holiday periods are some of the busiest travel times of the year in the UAE, with many residents heading overseas during the summer months.

Having academic calendars confirmed years in advance allows families to book holidays earlier, organise childcare arrangements and prepare for upcoming school admissions with more certainty.