Students across the UAE head back to classrooms on Monday, October 19, as the week-long mid-term break that began on October 12 comes to an end. The break, built into the 2026-2027 academic calendar, gave families a chance to travel or simply spend extra time together before the demanding second half of the term begins.
Public schools and most private institutions following the Ministry curriculum are returning on the same date, though officials have reminded parents that private schools running alternative curricula are allowed some flexibility, provided any mid-term break does not exceed five school days in total. Families with children enrolled in international-curriculum schools are advised to double-check their institution's specific calendar, since dates can vary.
Sharjah has flagged that its private schools operate under separate regulatory arrangements, meaning reopening dates there may not align exactly with the rest of the country. The Ministry of Education has published the full three-year academic calendar in advance, aiming to give families more time to plan holidays and travel around school breaks.
Looking ahead, the next scheduled break is the winter holiday, which starts on December 14 and keeps students out of class until January 4, 2027 — a longer stretch that typically coincides with some of the busiest travel weeks of the year for UAE residents.
The return to school also marks the start of a new working week nationwide, and traffic authorities in Dubai and other emirates typically see a noticeable rise in morning congestion as commuting patterns normalise after a break. Parents are being urged to plan extra time for the school run on Monday morning as roads adjust to the resumption of the regular routine.