Some UAE schools close for 9-day half-term break; families plan staycations, trips abroad

As schools across the UAE close for the October half-term break, families are making plans to help children enjoy their holidays while balancing work, relaxation and family commitments.

While some parents are travelling to their home countries to reconnect with relatives, others are planning short stays within the UAE. Working parents are also turning to playdates, neighbourhood parks and activities at home to keep children engaged without spending too much.

UAE School Holiday Dates for October 2026

Schools following the UAE’s unified academic calendar will have their October half-term break from Monday, October 12, to Friday, October 16, 2026, with classes resuming on Monday, October 19.

Including the weekends before and after the break, students can enjoy nine consecutive days off, from Saturday, October 10, to Sunday, October 18.

For many families, the challenge is to strike a balance between keeping children active, allowing them to relax and ensuring they return to school refreshed.

Families Plan Staycations and Relaxed Holidays

For Dubai resident Dina Hakim, the plan is to keep the holiday relatively relaxed before heading to Ras Al Khaimah for a short family getaway towards the end of the break.

Since parents still need to work during much of the week, Hakim believes enrolling children in a holiday camp for just a few days may not be worthwhile.

Instead, she plans to let her children spend time at home, complete their school assignments and enjoy a more flexible routine.

She is also considering taking a day off work to make the holiday more enjoyable for them before the family staycation.

Hakim said the aim is to keep the children occupied during working hours while giving them enough time to unwind and enjoy their break.

Families Travel Home for Cultural Celebrations

For Anjana Sengupata, the October school holiday offers an opportunity to travel to India for Durga Puja celebrations.

With the festival coinciding with the school break, she decided to take her daughter home so she could participate in the festivities and spend time with extended family.

Sengupata explained that such trips are important for families living abroad because they help children maintain connections with their relatives and cultural traditions.

She said Durga Puja is a special occasion for Bengali families, and she wants her children to experience the celebrations firsthand rather than learn about them from a distance.

The visit will also allow her daughter to spend time with cousins and create lasting memories while strengthening her connection with her family's cultural roots.

Working Parents Choose Playdates and Home Activities

For Dubai-based working mother Mariam Haddad, keeping the October break manageable and affordable is the main priority.

With two sons studying in Years 6 and 10, she has arranged playdates for her younger child while encouraging her older son to focus on reading and writing.

Rather than enrolling them in structured holiday camps, Haddad plans to make use of neighbourhood parks and outdoor activities with friends.

She explained that holiday camps can be expensive, making informal gatherings and activities at home a more practical option.

With several schools observing their holidays at the same time, coordinating playdates and outdoor activities with other families has also become easier.

Children can meet at nearby parks in the mornings or evenings to play, ride bicycles and spend time with friends.

School Assignments Remain a Priority During the Break

Although the holiday offers a chance to relax, some students also need to complete schoolwork during the break.

Haddad's elder son, Zain, is in Year 10 and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. She believes it is important to maintain a balance between academic responsibilities and leisure time.

She tries to organise the children's daily schedules before leaving for work so they can complete their assignments while still enjoying their holidays.

Parents are therefore combining simple routines, outdoor activities and dedicated study time to ensure children make the most of their time away from the classroom.

The October half-term break has brought different plans for families across the UAE, from international travel and staycations to neighbourhood playdates and activities at home.

While every family has its own priorities and budget, parents are looking for practical ways to keep children engaged without making the holiday overly structured.

For many, the goal is to give children time to relax, strengthen family relationships and enjoy meaningful experiences before returning to school.