With a nearly four-week holiday on the horizon, UAE schools are balancing final exams, festive events, and field trips as they wrap up the first term.
DUBAI: Schools across the UAE are buzzing with activity as students and teachers prepare for an extended winter break, set to begin in early December. This year, international curriculum schools will enjoy a holiday of nearly four weeks, longer than the standard three, providing more time for rest, travel, and festivities.
The break commences with the UAE National Day holiday on December 2 and 3, with the main winter holiday running from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Classes for all students are scheduled to resume on Monday, January 5, according to the Ministry of Education’s unified academic calendar.
A Period of Balancing Acts
The final weeks of the term are a flurry of assessments, meetings, and celebrations. School principals report a busy schedule aimed at closing the academic period effectively while fostering community spirit.
At Woodlem American School in Ajman, Principal Marah Kaddoura emphasized the focus on “finalising the planned curriculum and related activities.” She noted that clear communication and a structured calendar are key to managing the workload, which includes upcoming Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) and National Day celebrations.
Exams, Trips, and Festive Events
The period is marked by a blend of academic rigor and co-curricular engagement.
- Academic Focus: For senior students, especially those in Grades 10 and 12, the focus remains on academics as they undertake critical pre-board examinations. At Ambassador School in Dubai, Principal Sheela Menon confirmed that summative assessments and pre-boards are currently underway, calling it an “active and dynamic time for the entire school community.”
- Outdoor and Community Activities: With the pleasant winter weather, many schools are organizing enriching field trips. Credence High School in Dubai is leveraging this for outdoor learning experiences. CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh added that annual concerts and sports days are also in full swing to “bring the school community together in celebration of talent, teamwork, and joy.”
The unified calendar ensures that while Asian curriculum schools may have slight variations, the entire UAE school community is aligned in wrapping up a productive term before the well-deserved long break.
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