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9-day school break in UAE as Dubai schools revise October half-term dates
AE🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/8/2026

9-day school break in UAE as Dubai schools revise October half-term dates

Dubai private schools have adjusted their October half-term break dates to align with the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) calendar. Previously scheduled from October 19 to 23, the break is now set from October 12 to 16, 2026, giving students a five-day break. This change affects several schools including Dubai British School, Safa British School, and Arab Unity School. The adjustment follows the introduction of a unified three-year academic calendar by the MoE, which aims to standardize school schedules across the UAE. Parents are advised to check their child's specific school calendar for accurate dates, as not all private schools follow the same schedule. Schools under the MoE curriculum use the national calendar, while others may adjust their breaks differently.

Some private schools in Dubai have moved their October half-term break forward to align with the UAE Ministry of Education’s new academic calendar. Families planning travel or other activities during the period should check their school’s updated dates, as the change affects several institutions. The revised dates for the October half-term break are from Monday, October 12, to Friday, October 16, 2026. This provides students with a nine-day holiday, including weekends, allowing them to take time off from October 10 to October 18. Schools such as Dove Green Private School, Greenfield International School, Jumeirah Primary School, and Gems Wellington International School have confirmed the adjustment in communications to parents. One school noted that the change was mandated by the Ministry of Education, which established a three-year academic calendar for public and private schools running until 2029. The shift in dates follows the Ministry of Education’s announcement in February of a new calendar that fixes the first midterm break at October 12 to 16. Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which regulates private schools, has adopted this calendar, leading affected schools to adjust their previous schedules. Schools using the ministry’s curriculum must adhere to the national calendar, while others may request permission to spread their mid-term break between October and February, provided the total number of school days off does not exceed five. Not all schools in the UAE follow the same calendar. Schools in Sharjah operate under their own regulatory framework, and those teaching Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi curricula typically follow a different academic year. Therefore, holiday dates vary between institutions, and parents are advised to consult directly with their child’s school for accurate information. The 2026–27 academic year began on Monday, August 31, for schools following the Ministry of Education calendar. The first term spans 13 weeks, consisting of 67 teaching days, with the October break marking the first scheduled pause in classes. After the break, students will return to lessons and assessments throughout November and December before the winter holiday. The next major public holiday in the UAE is National Day, observed on December 2 and 3, 2026. This coincides with the start of the winter school holiday, which begins on Monday, December 14, 2026, and lasts until Sunday, January 3, 2027. Schools are expected to resume classes on Monday, January 4, 2027. Spring break is scheduled for Monday, April 5, to Friday, April 9, 2027. However, schools not following the unified calendar may set different dates for winter and end-of-year breaks. The academic year is set to conclude on July 2, 2027.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

3 reports

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 889/7/2026
Why some Dubai schools are moving October half-term forward

Some private schools in Dubai have adjusted their October half-term break dates to align with a new academic calendar introduced by the Ministry of Education. The revised dates, effective for the 2026-27 academic year, move the break to October 12-16, allowing for a nine-day holiday including weekends. Previously, many schools had planned the break for October 19-23. The change follows a three-year calendar established by the Ministry of Education, which sets standardized dates for public and private schools. Private schools regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority have adopted this calendar, while others with different curricula or regulatory frameworks maintain separate schedules. Parents are advised to check directly with their child's school for accurate holiday information.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a policy change implemented by the Ministry of Education in Dubai. It explains the reasons behind the calendar adjustment, references official regulatory bodies, and provides objective details about the impact on schools and families. There is no overt傾

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that several private schools in Dubai have moved their October half-term break forward to align with the UAE Ministry of Education's new calendar. It provides specific dates and mentions the involvement of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. While it does no

Why objectivity (88): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, explaining the reasons behind the change without taking sides. It focuses on informing readers about the schedule change and its implications for families, without injecting personal opinion or bias.

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 809/8/2026
Why some Dubai schools are moving October half-term forward

Some private schools in Dubai have adjusted their October half-term break dates to align with a new academic calendar introduced by the Ministry of Education. The revised dates, effective for the 2026-27 academic year, move the break to October 12-16, allowing for a nine-day holiday including weekends. Previously, many schools had planned the break for October 19-23. The change follows a three-year calendar established by the Ministry of Education, which sets standardized dates for public and private schools. Private schools regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority have adopted this calendar, while others with different curricula or regulatory frameworks maintain separate schedules. Parents are advised to check directly with their child's school for accurate holiday information.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a policy change implemented by the Ministry of Education in Dubai. It explains the reasons behind the calendar adjustment, references official regulatory bodies, and provides objective details about the impact on schools and families. There is no overt傾

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that several private schools in Dubai have moved their October half-term dates forward, citing the Ministry of Education's new academic calendar. It provides specific examples of affected schools and explains the rationale behind the change. While it does not include d

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, explaining the reasons for the change without taking sides. However, it slightly leans towards acknowledging the inconvenience caused to families, which introduces a minor subjective element.

Khaleej Times logoKhaleej TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 84Objective 879/7/2026
9-day school break in UAE as Dubai schools revise October half-term dates

Dubai private schools have adjusted their October half-term break dates to align with the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) calendar. Previously scheduled from October 19 to 23, the break is now set from October 12 to 16, 2026, giving students a five-day break. This change affects several schools including Dubai British School, Safa British School, and Arab Unity School. The adjustment follows the introduction of a unified three-year academic calendar by the MoE, which aims to standardize school schedules across the UAE. Parents are advised to check their child's specific school calendar for accurate dates, as not all private schools follow the same schedule. Schools under the MoE curriculum use the national calendar, while others may adjust their breaks differently.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a policy change related to school calendars, emphasizing alignment with national education authorities. It provides balanced reporting without overtly favoring any political group or ideology. The focus is on administrative updates rather than advocacy,

Why factuality (84): This article confirms the same key facts as the previous one regarding the shift in the October half-term dates due to the new unified academic calendar. It includes similar details about the affected schools and the rationale behind the change, maintaining consistency with the cross-source consensu

Why objectivity (87): The tone remains informative and objective, focusing on providing clear information about the school calendar change. It avoids emotional language and presents the situation from a neutral perspective, suitable for a general audience.

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