Plan your family vacations, outings, and childcare arrangements with our comprehensive guide to school holidays in UAE. If you’re a parent or guardian in the United Arab Emirates, staying informed about school holiday dates is essential to make the most of your quality time with children and ensure they stay occupied and engaged during their breaks from school.
Prepare for your holidays, childcare, and more using our informative handbook on school holiday dates in the UAE for 2023. With numerous exciting activities to enjoy with your kids in the country, ensuring you have time for all of them is crucial. To help you stay organized and informed, continue reading to discover the following details:
School Holidays in UAE
A Brief Overview of School Holidays in UAE
The Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates sets the rules for school holidays. It mandates at least 182 days of teaching during the academic year. The school year typically spans from late August to the end of June, with two short breaks in between. Almost all schools in the UAE, whether they are private or international, follow this official calendar. There are three primary school breaks in the UAE:
- Winter Break: Lasts for two and a half weeks, from mid-December to early January.
- Spring Break: Spans three weeks, from late March to early April (international schools may split it into two weeks and one week).
- Summer Break: Extends for no more than 8.2 weeks, between late June and early September.
In addition to these regular breaks, children in the UAE also have 14 days off for public holidays throughout the year. These holidays encompass both the Gregorian calendar and the Islamic calendar, featuring occasions such as the Islamic New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and the UAE’s National Day. International schools might provide additional half-term breaks for students.
The UAE offers a generous number of free days during national holidays and Islamic celebrations for both adults and children. However, please note that some businesses may be closed during these periods, and some festivities in the cities are alcohol-free. Keep in mind that the date for Eid al-Fitr varies depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, so the holiday may shift by a couple of days.
School Holiday dates in the UAE 2022–2023
Here are the Key School Holiday Dates for 2022 and 2023 in the UAE:
- Winter Break: December 11, 2022, to January 1, 2023
- Spring Break: March 26 to April 13, 2023
- Summer Break: Late June to late August 2023
Keep in mind that these dates may be subject to adjustments. Like School Holidays in UAE, you may also like to read about Scholarships in the UAE.
Public Holidays in the UAE during 2023
Here is a compilation of public holidays in the UAE for the year 2023. Please note that this list is subject to change.
- 1 January (Sunday): New Year’s Day
- 20 – 23 April (Thursday – Sunday): Eid al-Fitr holiday
- 21 April (Friday): Eid al-Fitr
- 27 June (Tuesday): Arafat (Hajj) Day
- 28 June (Wednesday): Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
- 28–30 June (Wednesday – Friday): Eid al-Adha holiday
- 19 July (Wednesday): Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
- 1 December (Friday): Commemoration Day
- 2 December (Saturday): National Day
- 3 December (Sunday): National Day holiday
Childcare Options for School Holidays in UAE
During national holidays in the UAE, nurseries are usually closed, but you might not be working on these days. However, with the UAE’s extended school breaks, you may need ways to keep your children engaged. Here are some options:
Nursery Holiday Camps: Some private nurseries offer holiday camps during school breaks. If your child attends a nursery or kindergarten in the UAE, inquire about their holiday camp offerings.
Sports Camps: If you want your kids to stay active during the holidays, there are various options. For water lovers, DuDive diving holiday camp and Waves Academy provide intensive swimming courses. For those who prefer dry land, Infinite Sports offers multi-activity camps for kids.
Nannies and Childminders: Nannies are in demand in the UAE, but it’s essential to find a reliable provider and clearly define your expectations. Consider contacting childcare providers like CloudNine Kids, offering babysitting services and childcare training in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Conclusion
School holidays in UAE hold immense significance for students, educators, and families alike. These designated school holidays in UAE provide much-needed breaks, allowing students to recharge and engage in activities beyond the classroom.
The importance of school holidays in UAE extends beyond just a pause in the academic calendar. These holidays serve as valuable opportunities for families to spend quality time together, fostering stronger bonds and creating lasting memories.
In summary, school holidays in UAE are pivotal for the overall well-being of students, offering a chance to relax, explore new interests, and rejuvenate for the upcoming academic sessions. Recognizing the importance of these school holidays, educational institutions in the UAE contribute to the holistic development of students, ensuring that the breaks provide a balance between academic rigor and much-deserved leisure. As school holidays in UAE continue to be cherished periods, they play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and harmonious academic life for students.
