Mid-Term School Holidays UAE 2025: Students Rejoice as Break Announced. Good news for students across the United Arab Emirates! The Ministry of Education (MOE) has officially declared the mid-term school holidays for 2025, bringing smiles to thousands of learners and teachers alike.
The break, which comes after a hectic start to the 2025–2026 academic year, gives everyone a chance to recharge, relax, and prepare for the next phase of studies.
If you’re wondering about the holiday dates, teacher activities, and reopening schedule, here’s everything you need to know in simple, clear, and updated form.
UAE Mid-Term School Holidays 2025 – Official Dates
According to the Ministry of Education’s circular, all public and private schools following the MOE curriculum will observe mid-term holidays from October 13 to October 17, 2025.
Classes will officially resume on Monday, October 20, 2025.
This schedule applies nationwide covering Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Holiday Start Date | Monday, October 13, 2025 |
| Holiday End Date | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Weekend | Saturday, October 18 – Sunday, October 19, 2025 |
| Classes Resume | Monday, October 20, 2025 |
| Applies To | All MOE curriculum schools (public & private) |
Purpose Behind the Mid-Term Break
The UAE Ministry of Education emphasized that student well-being is just as vital as academic excellence.
The mid-term school holidays were designed to:
- Reduce academic pressure after intense first-term studies.
- Encourage family time and social bonding.
- Allow teachers to undergo professional development.
- Prepare schools for upcoming exams and activities.
This short break acts as a “mental reset” for both students and educators promoting better focus, improved performance, and emotional balance when classes resume.
Teachers’ Training Programs During the Holidays
While students will enjoy their days off, teachers and administrative staff will be equally productive during the first half of the break.
Between October 13 and October 15, 2025, teachers across UAE schools will participate in professional development workshops organized by the Ministry of Education.
Focus Areas of the Training
- Innovative classroom strategies
- Digital learning integration
- Student engagement and assessment tools
- New MOE curriculum updates
- Educational technology and AI in teaching
These training sessions are part of the UAE’s vision to enhance teaching quality, innovation, and future-ready education.
After the workshops, teachers will also receive a short vacation from October 16 to October 19, ensuring they return refreshed and ready for Term 2.
Impact of the Mid-Term Holidays on Students
The mid-term holidays are not just a pause in classes — they’re an opportunity for holistic growth.
Here’s how this break benefits students:
- Mental Refresh: Reduces exam stress and classroom fatigue.
- Physical Rest: Encourages better sleep and reduced screen time.
- Family Connection: Strengthens family relationships through travel or stay-home activities.
- Creative Exploration: Students get time for hobbies, reading, and extracurricular passions.
Expert Opinion
According to UAE education consultants, periodic breaks boost academic performance by improving students’ ability to focus and retain knowledge.
The 2025 school break perfectly aligns with this approach, keeping the balance between academic progress and emotional well-being.
Parental Reactions Across the UAE
Parents have welcomed the UAE school holiday announcement with enthusiasm. Many see this as a chance to plan short family trips, engage children in outdoor sports, or visit cultural landmarks like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Expo City Dubai, or Sharjah Science Museum.
Travel agencies also report an increase in local travel bookings during the October holiday week, especially for destinations like Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah resorts.
“This short break helps us spend time together as a family without academic stress,” shared one Dubai parent.
How Schools Will Use the Mid-Term Break Effectively
Even during holidays, school managements have important tasks lined up:
- Reviewing Term-1 performance reports
- Updating attendance and grading systems
- Organizing upcoming academic calendars
- Preparing mid-term assessments
- Conducting maintenance and facility checks
This ensures that once classes resume on October 20, everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Academic Calendar 2025–2026 Overview (UAE)
To give a broader view of how this break fits into the academic year, here’s a summary of the UAE school calendar for 2025–26 (MOE Curriculum):
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Break / Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | August 25, 2025 | December 12, 2025 | Mid-term: Oct 13–17 |
| Winter Break | December 15, 2025 | January 2, 2026 | 2-week holiday |
| Term 2 | January 5, 2026 | March 27, 2026 | Spring Break: Mar 30–Apr 10 |
| Term 3 | April 13, 2026 | July 3, 2026 | Summer Vacation: July–Aug |
MOE’s Commitment to Student Well-Being
The UAE Ministry of Education continues to show its dedication to balanced, modern, and inclusive education.
Introducing strategic breaks like this one is part of its broader plan to:
- Create a student-centered learning environment
- Integrate wellness into the curriculum
- Encourage innovation in education
- Support teachers’ professional growth
The UAE’s Education 2030 Vision focuses on preparing young minds for a knowledge-based economy, where mental health and creativity matter as much as grades.
Things Students Can Do During the Break
Here are some productive yet fun ideas for students to make the most of their October mid-term holidays:
- Join skill workshops (coding, arts, robotics, or language).
- Visit museums or libraries for educational trips.
- Spend time outdoors – desert camping or beach walks.
- Volunteer in community programs or charity drives.
- Relax with family and enjoy balanced screen-free time.
These activities not only make the holidays enjoyable but also support personal growth and learning beyond classrooms.
School Reopening & Post-Holiday Guidelines
All schools will reopen on Monday, October 20, 2025, following the normal academic timetable.
The Ministry of Education has directed schools to:
- Ensure full student attendance.
- Resume lessons as per the Term-1 syllabus.
- Maintain discipline and punctuality after the break.
- Continue extracurricular and academic programs seamlessly.
Parents are encouraged to make sure children return well-rested and ready for upcoming mid-term exams and projects.
Why UAE’s Academic Model Stands Out
The UAE’s academic system is globally praised for balancing education and emotional well-being.
Unlike traditional systems that focus solely on grades, the MOE framework encourages:
- Balanced learning calendars
- Teacher training integration
- STEM and innovation-based curriculum
- Inclusive education policies
This approach positions the UAE among the top education innovators in the Middle East.
FAQs
1. When are the UAE mid-term school holidays in 2025?
The UAE mid-term holidays for schools following the MOE curriculum will run from October 13 to October 17, 2025. Classes resume on October 20.
2. Do private schools also get mid-term holidays in the UAE?
Yes, all private and public schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum will observe the same break schedule.
3. Will teachers work during the holidays?
Teachers will attend training programs from October 13 to 15, 2025, and will have their own break from October 16 to 19, 2025.
4. When will schools reopen after the break?
Schools across the UAE will reopen on Monday, October 20, 2025, and resume regular classes.
5. Why does the UAE include mid-term holidays in its calendar?
The break helps students rest, teachers train, and schools plan the rest of the term effectively — ensuring both productivity and well-being.
Conclusion
The announcement of Mid-Term School Holidays UAE 2025 has added joy to classrooms across the country.
From October 13 to October 17, students will enjoy a well-deserved break, while teachers enhance their professional skills through MOE’s training programs.
