UAE Indian Schools to Skip October Mid-Term Break; Winter Holidays Begin in December

Indian curriculum schools in the UAE will continue classes during the October mid-term break observed by many British and international curriculum schools.

Students enrolled in CBSE and ICSE schools will generally have to wait until December for their next major scheduled school holiday.

The difference in holiday schedules is due to the distinct academic calendars followed by schools across the UAE.

While many schools operating on an August-to-June academic year will have a break in October, Indian curriculum schools following an April-to-March academic year are expected to continue teaching.

Why UAE Indian Schools Will Continue Classes in October

Indian curriculum schools typically follow an academic year that runs from April to March.

Their term breaks are planned around examinations, classroom requirements and the completion of the prescribed syllabus.

October is an important period for many CBSE-affiliated schools, as students complete their first-term half-yearly examinations and prepare for the next stage of the academic year.

An additional break during this period could affect teaching schedules and the time available to complete the syllabus.

Schools must also ensure that they meet the minimum instructional-day requirements established by the relevant education authorities.

Indian curriculum schools in Dubai, for example, are required to provide at least 182 instructional days.

Why Other UAE Schools Have an October Break

British and other international curriculum schools generally follow an academic calendar that begins in August and ends in June.

Their schedules include a mid-term break in October.

The 2026–2027 academic calendar provides for an October break from October 12 to October 16 for schools following the relevant August-start calendar.

Including the weekends, students can enjoy nine consecutive days away from school, from October 10 to October 18, before returning to classes on October 19.

However, this schedule does not automatically apply to schools following Indian and Pakistani curricula, which operate on different academic-year structures.

When Is the Next School Holiday for CBSE Students in the UAE?

For students following the Indian curriculum, the next major scheduled school holiday after October is expected to be the winter break in December.

According to the published academic calendar for April-start schools in Dubai, the winter holiday is scheduled to begin on December 14, 2026, with classes expected to resume on January 4, 2027.

The winter break will give students and families an opportunity to rest after a busy academic period.

However, holiday dates may vary between schools, so parents should check their child's approved school calendar for the latest information.

Schools May Include Additional Holidays

Although Indian curriculum schools generally do not follow the same October mid-term break as many British and international schools, individual institutions may schedule additional holidays during the academic year.

These may include public holidays and cultural or religious occasions such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Republic Day, depending on the approved school calendar.

The dates of these holidays can depend on school-specific arrangements, examination schedules and applicable regulations.

Schools must also plan their academic programmes around CBSE board examinations, which typically begin early in the year.

How UAE School Holiday Calendars Are Determined

Schools in Dubai plan their academic calendars in accordance with the requirements and guidance of the relevant education authorities, including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the UAE Ministry of Education.

For Indian curriculum schools, planning also takes the April-to-March academic year and the examination schedules established by the relevant education boards into account.

Schools must balance classroom instruction, examinations and scheduled holidays while meeting the applicable minimum instructional-day requirements.

As a result, school holiday dates can differ depending on the curriculum and the institution's approved calendar.

Parents should therefore avoid assuming that every school in the UAE will follow the same holiday schedule.

What Parents Should Know Before Planning Holidays

Parents of CBSE and ICSE students should consult their child's official school calendar before making travel arrangements or planning family holidays.

While students at some British and international schools may enjoy an October mid-term break, Indian curriculum students may need to continue attending classes.

Families should also look for school announcements concerning Diwali holidays, winter vacation dates and any additional school closures.

Because academic calendars differ across curricula, confirming the dates directly with the school remains the most reliable way for parents to plan ahead and avoid confusion about upcoming holidays.