Students in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will be off school for up to nine consecutive days beginning May 25, following the alignment of the Ministry of Education's mid-term break with the anticipated Eid Al Adha holidays. The mid-term break is officially scheduled from May 25 to May 29, while Eid Al Adha is expected to commence on May 27, pending the moon sighting, with Arafah Day on May 26.

The combined break, which includes weekends before and after, allows families to enjoy an extended holiday period. Private schools are revising academic calendars, advancing revision sessions, and distributing study materials ahead of the closure. Some institutions are using digital platforms to maintain light academic engagement, though officials emphasize the focus remains on student wellbeing and family time.

The travel sector is anticipating high demand, with families booking flights, hotels, and staycations during the prolonged break. The timing is seen as beneficial by educators and parents alike, offering students a rest period before final assessments begin in June. Teachers have welcomed the pause after a demanding academic term.

Education authorities, including the UAE Ministry of Education and KHDA, are requiring schools to maintain academic continuity while respecting the holiday period. Official confirmation of Eid dates will follow religious moon sightings, after which final school schedules will be communicated to parents. The break reflects a broader pattern of extended holidays in the UAE's 2026 calendar.