Quick answer: The UAE school winter break 2026–27 starts on Monday 14 December 2026. Dubai private schools (KHDA) are off until Sunday 3 January 2027, and classes resume on Monday 4 January 2027. Ministry of Education schools and Sharjah private schools follow the same start and return dates. Add National Day on 2 and 3 December and New Year’s Day on Friday 1 January, and December is the busiest holiday month of the year in the UAE.
UAE winter break 2026–27 dates by school type
| Schools | Last school day | Winter break | Back to school |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai private schools (KHDA, all curricula) | Friday 11 December 2026 | 14 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 | Monday 4 January 2027 |
| Ministry of Education schools (public and MoE-curriculum private) | Friday 11 December 2026 | 14 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, then the weekend | Monday 4 January 2027 |
| Sharjah private schools (SPEA) | Thursday 10 December for Indian and Pakistani curriculum schools | 14 to 31 December 2026 | Monday 4 January 2027 |
Dates from published 2026–27 academic calendars. Individual schools can differ by a day or two, especially at the end of term, so check your school’s calendar or its KHDA profile before you book travel.
December 2026 holiday calendar in the UAE
| Date | Day | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 22 November | Sunday | Dubai Run on Sheikh Zayed Road |
| 30 November | Monday | Commemoration Day (working day); December fuel prices announced |
| 2 and 3 December | Wednesday and Thursday | UAE National Day public holiday (expected, both sectors) |
| 4 December | Friday | Dubai Shopping Festival starts (runs to 17 January 2027) |
| 11 December | Friday | Last school day before the winter break for most schools |
| 14 December | Monday | School winter break starts |
| 31 December | Thursday | New Year’s Eve fireworks |
| 1 January 2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day public holiday |
| 4 January 2027 | Monday | Schools reopen |
The National Day dates are not final until the government confirms them, usually in mid-November. Read our UAE National Day 2026 guide for the long weekend plan.
How to get the longest December break as a working parent
- National Day: take Friday 4 December as leave and you get five days off, Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December.
- Christmas and New Year: Thursday 31 December is a working day for most. Take it off and you get four days, Thursday 31 December to Sunday 3 January.
- The full school break: to cover all three weeks from 14 December to 3 January, you need 15 working days of leave, minus one for New Year’s Day. That is 14 days.
Flights and hotels are at their most expensive from about 18 December to 3 January. If you are travelling, the first week of the break (14 to 18 December) is usually cheaper than Christmas week.
Things to do in Dubai during the winter break
December is the best weather of the year in Dubai, with daytime temperatures around 24 to 27°C. Popular plans for families who stay:
- Dubai Shopping Festival from 4 December: drone shows, fireworks, raffles and sales. See our DSF 2026–27 guide.
- Global Village is open every evening. Read our Global Village tickets and timings guide.
- Beaches and parks: Kite Beach, JBR and Al Mamzar are at their best in winter, and Zabeel Park and Mushrif Park are good for picnics and cycling.
- Hatta: kayaking, hiking and mountain biking in cool weather, about 90 minutes from the city.
- New Year’s Eve: fireworks at Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, JBR, Dubai Festival City and Global Village. Book restaurant tables and car parks early.
Family visiting for the holidays?
December is peak season for short stays, and hotel prices rise sharply over Christmas and New Year. A furnished apartment or villa is often cheaper for a family than two hotel rooms. Browse holiday homes in Dubai and book early. If you are thinking of moving before the new term in January, compare homes for rent: rents for new tenants have fallen in many areas this year, as our 2026 rent guide explains.
Looking ahead: 2027 holidays
After the winter break, the next long break is Eid Al Fitr, expected from 9 to 11 March 2027. See the full list in our UAE public holidays 2027 guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does the winter break start in UAE schools in 2026?
On Monday 14 December 2026 for most schools, including Dubai private schools, Ministry of Education schools and Sharjah private schools.
When do UAE schools reopen after the winter break?
On Monday 4 January 2027.
How long is the winter break in Dubai schools?
Three weeks, from 14 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Is 1 January 2027 a holiday in the UAE?
Yes. New Year’s Day, Friday 1 January 2027, is a public holiday for the public and private sectors.
Is Christmas a public holiday in the UAE?
No. 25 December is a normal working day, although schools are on their winter break.
Are there public holidays in December 2026 in the UAE?
Yes. National Day is expected on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December for the public and private sectors.
عطلة الشتاء للمدارس في الإمارات 2026-2027
تبدأ عطلة الشتاء في معظم مدارس الإمارات يوم الاثنين 14 ديسمبر 2026، وتشمل المدارس الخاصة في دبي ومدارس وزارة التربية والتعليم والمدارس الخاصة في الشارقة، ويعود الطلاب إلى المدارس يوم الاثنين 4 يناير 2027. ويسبق العطلة اليوم الوطني يومي 2 و3 ديسمبر، كما أن يوم الجمعة 1 يناير 2027 عطلة رسمية بمناسبة رأس السنة الميلادية.
Dates checked on 9 November 2026 against published 2026–27 school calendars. Schools can change dates, so confirm with your school.