Winter holidays in the Emirates: a full month to combine education, family and economic dynamism

A modernized and coherent school calendar

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has officially approved this reform of the 2025–2026 school calendar, providing all schools—both public and private—with a uniform winter break. This harmonization eliminates the diversity of schedules based on curricula (British, American, Indian, or French), which often caused disruption for expatriate families.

The standardization of the school calendar serves a dual purpose: to bring the Emirati education system closer to international standards and to improve the planning of educational and family activities. By setting common dates, the authorities facilitate coordination between schools, businesses, and public institutions, while ensuring greater educational continuity.

Four weeks to restore family balance

In a country where the majority of the population is expatriate, the school calendar is not just a matter of organization: it directly influences the quality of life for families . By extending the winter holidays to a full month, the Emirates are responding to a strong desire: for a more balanced pace of life.

This flexibility allows international families to travel freely, while residents take advantage of this time to reconnect with local activities. Cultural centers, sports clubs, and educational associations offer tailored winter programs: science workshops, language camps, art workshops, and volunteer opportunities. These initiatives extend the educational mission beyond the classroom, fostering a more holistic approach to learning.

An economic opportunity for the tourism sector

The impact of this measure extends beyond the educational sphere. Indeed, the four weeks of vacation coincide with the peak tourist season in the Emirates, a period when the temperate climate attracts both residents and international visitors.

For Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, this extended school holiday means increased visitor numbers: hotels, theme parks, beaches, and festive events are all expected to benefit from an influx of tourists. The tourism industry, already a major pillar of the country's economic diversification, finds in this a direct driver of growth.

According to several industry analysts, such calendar stability allows tourism operators to better anticipate demand and adapt their offerings – whether it be family holidays, cultural tours or luxury experiences.

A choice aligned with the national educational vision

This reform is fully aligned with the UAE's educational strategy , which focuses on student well‑being, mental health, and sustainable performance. Authorities now recognize that academic success depends not only on the volume of instruction but also on the quality of rest periods.

The long winter break thus offers students essential time to unwind, reducing stress and fostering a more motivated return to school. The KHDA also encourages schools to make the most of this period through structured extracurricular activities , contributing to the personal and social development of young people.

This model, inspired by Nordic or Canadian educational practices, demonstrates the Emirates' desire to build an educational system resolutely focused on the overall development of students.

A unified calendar serving national coherence

The harmonization of the school calendar across different types of schools marks an important step for Emirati society. It simplifies life for families, especially those whose children attend schools following foreign curricula, while also providing greater predictability for businesses and institutions .

Schools also benefit from this unified framework: exam planning, staff management, international recruitment, and the organization of school events all become more efficient. This consistency contributes to a broader ambition: to make the Emirati education system a model of modern and integrated management.

A measure emblematic of a societal model

By granting four weeks of winter leave, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms its vision of a balanced society, where economic performance aligns with collective well‑being . This choice illustrates one of the guiding principles of national development: reconciling excellence, harmony, and sustainability.

For families, it's a welcome breath of fresh air. For schools, it's a guarantee of stability. And for the economy, it's a strategic opportunity in the middle of the tourist season. The 2025–2026 school year is thus shaping up to be a significant milestone in the modernization of the Emirati educational model, at the crossroads of innovation, quality of life, and prosperity.