Important dates for your diary, parents

The end of the 2025-26 academic term is fast approaching, with Dubai’s private school students set to break up for the summer break on Friday July 3.

And if you’re already wondering when the little ones will be off next so you can start holiday planning, here’s the complete list of school holidays for the 2026-2027 academic year and some important dates for your diary.

It is worth noting that schools are allowed some flexibility with the calendar, providing they complete the minimum number of school days.

For the exact dates, see the individual school profiles on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s (KHDA) site: web.khda.gov.ae.

Dubai private schools starting academic year in September

August 31, 2026: Start of the academic year

October 12, 2026 to October 16, 2026: Mid-term break (for MOE Private Schools only)

October 19, 2026 to December 11, 2026: Term time

December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027: Winter break (all schools)

January 4, 2027 to April 2, 2027: Term time

April 5, 2027 to April 11, 2027: Spring break

April 12, 2027 to July 2, 2027: Term time

July 2, 2027: End of academic year

Dubai private schools starting academic year in April

April 6, 2026: Start of the academic year

April 6, 2026 to July 3, 2026: Term time

July 6, 2026 to August 30, 2026: Summer break

August 31, 2026 to December 11, 2026: Term time

December 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027: Winter break (all schools)

January 4, 2027 to March 15 – 31, 2027: Term time

Note: The end of the academic year will be between March 15 and March 31, 2027, subject to the school fulfilling the stipulated number of school days (minimum 182).

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.

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