As families across the UAE settle into their routines, forward-planning parents are already looking toward the horizon. Whether you are dreaming of a winter getaway or planning a staycation road trip, knowing the Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 schedule is essential. The academic year is a marathon, not a sprint, and having the correct dates locked in ensures you can maximize your family time.
At CarRentalServiceDubai.com, we understand that mobility is key to enjoying these breaks. Whether you need a spacious SUV for a family camping trip or a luxury sedan for city cruising, planning around the UAE school calendar 2025/26 is the first step. The Ministry of Education has released a unified calendar that brings consistency to public and private schools alike, making it easier than ever for families to coordinate their plans.
Contents
- 1 A Unified Vision: The UAE School Calendar 2025/26
- 2 Detailed Breakdown: Abu Dhabi School Holidays 2025 Dates
- 3 Navigating 2026: Spring and Summer Dates
- 4 Summary Table: Abu Dhabi Academic Calendar 2025/26
- 5 Rules for Private Schools: Flexibility Within Limits
- 6 Planning Your Getaways with CarRentalServiceDubai.com
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 7.1 Q1: Do all schools follow the same Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 schedule?
- 7.2 Q2: When is the longest break in the Abu Dhabi academic calendar?
- 7.3 Q3: Are public holidays included in these dates?
- 7.4 Q4: Can private schools change their spring break dates?
- 7.5 Q5: Why is the May break different this year?
- 7.6 Q6: Should I book my rental car early for these dates?
- 8 Final Thoughts
A Unified Vision: The UAE School Calendar 2025/26
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education announced a pivotal update to the Abu Dhabi academic calendar. In a move designed to strengthen family bonds and align educational schedules with societal needs, school terms will now be consistent across all emirates. This national policy ensures that whether you are in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah, the core school term dates Abu Dhabi residents rely on will largely align.
This unification is a game-changer for families with children in different schools or relatives in neighboring emirates. The new Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 structure introduces standardized mid-term breaks for government curriculum schools, while offering structured flexibility for private institutions.
Detailed Breakdown: Abu Dhabi School Holidays 2025 Dates
Let’s get into the specifics. Mark your diaries now, because these are the confirmed dates for the Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 and the subsequent 2026 terms.
The Start of the Academic Year
The journey begins on Monday, August 25, 2025. This marks the official start of the academic year for students. As the summer heat begins to mellow, schools will open their doors for a fresh start.
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The First Mid-Term Break
One of the most welcome additions to the UAE school calendar 2025/26 is the Autumn mid-term break. Students will enjoy a week off from Monday, October 13 to Sunday, October 19, 2025. This is the perfect window for a short road trip to the Northern Emirates or a relaxing beach week before the winter curriculum intensifies.
Winter Break: The Big Holiday
The highly anticipated winter break commences on Monday, December 8, 2025. This is the longest stretch of downtime in the first half of the year. Classes will not resume until Monday, January 5, 2026. With nearly a month off, this is the prime time for international travel or exploring the UAE’s desert landscapes in the cool weather.
As we move into the new year, the Abu Dhabi academic calendar continues to offer strategic breaks to keep students refreshed.
Second Mid-Term Break
To break up the long stretch between winter and spring, a second mid-term break is scheduled from Wednesday, February 11 to Sunday, February 15, 2026. This long weekend is ideal for quick local getaways.
Spring Break Variations
Here is where parents need to pay close attention to the school term dates Abu Dhabi specifics.
- Start of Spring Break: Monday, March 16, 2026.
- Resumption for Most Private Schools: Classes resume on Monday, March 30, 2026.
- Resumption for MoE Schools: Government curriculum schools enjoy a longer break, returning on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Download: Abu Dhabi Academic Calendar 2025/26
The Third Mid-Term Break and Eid Al Adha
In a thoughtful alignment with cultural events, the UAE school calendar 2025/26 includes a break from Monday, May 25 to Sunday, May 31, 2026. This break is strategically placed to align with the expected dates for the Eid Al Adha holiday, allowing families to celebrate without worrying about school attendance.
End of the Academic Year
The finish line for the academic year is set for Friday, July 3, 2026. However, the Ministry notes that the year should not end before this date, ensuring full curriculum coverage.
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Summary Table: Abu Dhabi Academic Calendar 2025/26
For a quick reference, here is a consolidated table of the Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 and 2026.
| Event | Date | Duration/Notes |
| Start of Academic Year | August 25, 2025 | Monday |
| First Mid-Term Break | Oct 13 – Oct 19, 2025 | 1 Week |
| Winter Break Starts | December 8, 2025 | Monday |
| Classes Resume (Winter) | January 5, 2026 | Monday |
| Second Mid-Term Break | Feb 11 – Feb 15, 2026 | 5 Days |
| Spring Break Starts | March 16, 2026 | Monday |
| Classes Resume (Private) | March 30, 2026 | Monday |
| Classes Resume (MoE) | April 13, 2026 | Monday |
| Third Mid-Term Break | May 25 – May 31, 2026 | Eid Al Adha Alignment |
| End of Academic Year | July 3, 2026 | Not before this date |
Download: Abu Dhabi Academic Calendar 2025/26
Rules for Private Schools: Flexibility Within Limits
If your child attends a British, American, or IB curriculum school, you might see slight variations in the school term dates Abu Dhabi mandates. The Ministry of Education has allowed private schools that do not follow the government curriculum some flexibility.
Specifically, these schools can schedule their mid-term breaks in October and February. However, there are strict rules to maintain the integrity of the Abu Dhabi academic calendar:
- Duration: Each break must not exceed five consecutive days.
- Timing: The breaks must remain within the specified months (October and February).
- No Extensions: Schools cannot extend or shift these dates outside the approved window.
This ensures that while schools can accommodate their specific operational needs, they remain aligned with the national UAE school calendar 2025/26. We strongly recommend contacting your specific school’s faculty to confirm their exact non-instructional days.
Download: Abu Dhabi Academic Calendar 2025/26
Planning Your Getaways with CarRentalServiceDubai.com
With the Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 dates now clear, the next step is planning how to spend them. The new consistency in the UAE school calendar 2025/26 means that popular destinations and rental services will book up faster than before.
Whether you are planning a drive to the serene mountains of Ras Al Khaimah during the October break or a cross-country road trip during the long Winter holiday, having a reliable vehicle is crucial. At CarRentalServiceDubai.com, we offer a fleet that suits every family size and budget, ensuring your Abu Dhabi academic calendar breaks are filled with joy, not logistical stress.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do all schools follow the same Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 schedule?
While the Ministry aims for unification, private schools have some flexibility with mid-term breaks. However, the major winter and spring breaks in the UAE school calendar 2025/26 are generally consistent across all curricula.
Q2: When is the longest break in the Abu Dhabi academic calendar?
The longest holiday is the Winter Break, starting on December 8, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026. This nearly month-long recess is a highlight of the school term dates Abu Dhabi.
Q3: Are public holidays included in these dates?
The dates listed above refer to academic breaks. Official UAE public holidays, such as National Day or Eid, are additional to the Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 schedule, though some, like the May break, are designed to align with them.
Q4: Can private schools change their spring break dates?
Private schools generally resume classes on March 30, 2026, while MoE schools return on April 13. Always check your specific school’s portal for their confirmed school term dates Abu Dhabi.
Q5: Why is the May break different this year?
The break from May 25 to May 31, 2026, is a strategic addition to the UAE school calendar 2025/26 to align with the predicted dates for Eid Al Adha, ensuring families can celebrate together without missing school.
Q6: Should I book my rental car early for these dates?
Absolutely. With the Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 being standardized, demand for rental cars peaks during these specific weeks. We recommend booking with CarRentalServiceDubai.com well in advance to secure your preferred vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The Abu Dhabi school holidays 2025 and the comprehensive UAE school calendar 2025/26 provide a structured framework for the year ahead. By marking these dates now, you can plan your vacations, staycations, and family visits with confidence. Remember, the key to a stress-free holiday is preparation. Check your school’s specific calendar, book your leave, and reserve your family car with CarRentalServiceDubai.com to ensure you are ready for every adventure the new academic year brings.
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