Several educational institutions across the UAE have begun notifying parents of a schedule change, shifting the upcoming October half-term break forward by one week. Originally expected to run from October 19 to October 23, the break is now scheduled for October 12 to October 16. Schools including Safa British School, Dubai British School, and Arab Unity School have confirmed this update, noting that the decision was made to ensure alignment with the unified academic calendar established by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

This unexpected adjustment has drawn criticism from many parents who had already finalized travel plans or structured their children’s study schedules around the original dates. Some families expressed frustration over potential financial losses from non-refundable bookings, while others voiced concerns regarding the impact on students preparing for A-level and mock examinations. Meanwhile, parents in Sharjah have reported a lack of clarity, with some wondering if their schools will offer a break at all, given the potential for scheduling disruptions within the shorter four-day school week currently in place.