As the summer holidays draw to a close, families across the UAE are gearing up for the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Before the school bells ring, residents will enjoy one last long weekend from August 28 to 30, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday. This three-day break offers a perfect window for parents to finalize school supplies or enjoy a quick family outing before students head back to the classroom on Monday, August 31, which marks the official resumption of studies for both September-start and April-start curriculum schools.

While the return to school is uniform for the end of August, the subsequent holiday schedule varies depending on the school's curriculum and calendar. All private schools in Dubai will observe a winter break starting December 14, 2026, with classes resuming on January 4, 2027. Beyond this, schedules diverge; for instance, MOE private schools have a specific mid-term break in October, while September-start schools can look forward to a spring break in early April. Parents are encouraged to stay mindful of these specific dates, as academic years for different school structures conclude at varying times throughout 2027.