UAE schools close on Monday 25 May 2026 and reopen on Monday 1 June 2026 for Eid Al Adha. The Ministry of Education confirmed the dates on 3 May. Combined with the surrounding weekends, that gives families a 9-day stretch off school. Below is the full calendar, every key date, and the exam timeline you’ll want to plan around.
⚡ The 30-Second Brief
- 🎒 Schools close: Monday 25 May 2026
- 🎒 Schools reopen: Monday 1 June 2026
- 🎒 Total break: 9 consecutive days (with weekends)
- 🎒 Public holidays inside the break: 26-29 May (Arafah Day + Eid Al Adha)
- 🎒 Applies to both students and teaching staff across UAE
The full Eid Al Adha 2026 school calendar
Here is every day in the 9-day stretch — and what each day means for parents, working or otherwise.
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 23 May | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sun 24 May | Sunday | Weekend |
| Mon 25 May | Monday | School break begins |
| Tue 26 May | Tuesday | 🇦🇪 Arafah Day (public holiday) |
| Wed 27 May | Wednesday | 🇦🇪 Eid Al Adha (public holiday) |
| Thu 28 May | Thursday | 🇦🇪 Eid Al Adha (public holiday) |
| Fri 29 May | Friday | 🇦🇪 Eid Al Adha (public holiday) |
| Sat 30 May | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sun 31 May | Sunday | Weekend |
| Mon 1 June | Monday | Schools reopen |
Public vs private schools: do the dates apply to all?
The Ministry of Education’s calendar applies directly to government schools across the UAE. Most private schools — covering British, American, IB and Indian curricula — align with the same dates because public-holiday rules apply equally. But there is some flexibility.
| School type | Calendar fit |
|---|---|
| British curriculum (GEMS, Repton, Nord Anglia, etc.) | Aligns exactly |
| American curriculum (ASD, Dubai American, etc.) | Aligns closely |
| IB curriculum (Dubai International, GEMS World, etc.) | Aligns; IB May exam season usually concludes |
| Indian curriculum (CBSE/ICSE — DPS, GIIS, etc.) | Sometimes extends 1-2 days |
| Government schools (Arabic-medium) | Exactly the ministry calendar |
The exam angle: what comes after the break
Here’s the part most coverage doesn’t mention. When the ministry confirmed the Eid Al Adha break, it also confirmed the rest of the third-semester calendar — including mock exams and end-of-term exams. For parents of older students, the timeline matters as much as the holiday itself.
The dates that follow the break
- 1-12 June: 10 teaching days (the cram window)
- 15-16 June: Mock exams
- 17 June: Islamic New Year (public holiday)
- 24 June – 3 July: End-of-term exams
- 3 July: Last day of academic year
Q: Should my child revise during the Eid break?
A: If they’re in KG to Year 6, no — let them rest. If they’re in Years 7-9, light revision is sensible. If they’re in Years 10-12 (taking IGCSEs, A-Levels or IB exams), structured revision blocks during the break are essential. 10 teaching days isn’t enough on its own to prepare for mocks, and end-of-term exams begin just 8 days after.
How to use the 9 days well — by year group
👶 KG to Year 6 — Pure rest
- No exam pressure for this age group
- Use the full 9 days for travel, family and recovery
- Best short-haul Eid trips: Tbilisi, Baku, Tirana, Salalah
📚 Years 7-9 — Front-load the break
- Take a 5-day trip from 25-29 May
- Keep 30 May – 1 June at home for a structured revision restart
- Children arrive at school already partly prepared for mocks
🎓 Years 10-12 (IGCSE/A-Level/IB) — Local Eid + revision
- Skip the international trip — mocks count for these year groups
- Build structured revision blocks across the 9 days
- Mix in shorter UAE-based outings to break the intensity
Frequently asked questions
Q: When do UAE schools close for Eid Al Adha 2026?
A: Schools close from Monday 25 May 2026 and reopen on Monday 1 June 2026.
Q: How many days off do UAE students get for Eid Al Adha 2026?
A: 9 consecutive days, from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May, when surrounding weekends are included with the official break and public holidays.
Q: When are UAE school mock exams in 2026?
A: Mock exams are scheduled for Monday 15 June and Tuesday 16 June 2026 — exactly two academic weeks after schools reopen from the Eid break.
Q: When does the UAE academic year end?
A: The academic year ends on Friday 3 July 2026. End-of-term exams run from Wednesday 24 June to Friday 3 July.
Q: Do private schools follow the same Eid Al Adha dates as government schools?
A: Most do. British, American and IB schools typically align exactly. Indian curriculum schools sometimes extend by 1-2 days. School principals can grant up to 3 additional days of leave at their discretion — confirm with your school office before booking travel.
Q: Do teachers also get the 9 days off?
A: Yes. The mid-term break applies to administrative and teaching staff across the UAE, not just students.
Sources: Khaleej Times, UAE Ministry of Education, KHDA Dubai.
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