Thousands of pupils are gearing up to return to classrooms across the Emirates next week. Monday, August 26 will mark the first day back at school after a long summer break. Whether it heralds the start of a new <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/07/04/uae-schools-urge-pupils-to-complete-full-term-before-summer-break/" target="_blank">academic year</a> or the end of mid-term holiday depends on the curriculum. For <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/05/21/no-new-abu-dhabi-schools-rated-outstanding-in-latest-national-identity-mark-inspections/" target="_blank">many schools in the country</a>, such as British and American establishments, the end of August brings about the start of the 2024-25 academic year. However, the school year starts in April for Indian curriculum schools, with the summer holiday an interlude in their calendar. The UAE academic year for public and private schools is divided into three terms, which feature winter, spring and summer breaks. The academic year must be made up of at least 182 days, the government says. The summer break, before the schools reopen in late August, typically lasts for seven weeks. This term will last for more than three months, with a winter holiday scheduled for December and a spring break in March. Further breaks will be granted during the course of the year for key public holidays such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. For those schools starting the academic year next month: The first term will run from Monday, August 26 until Friday, December 13. The winter break will be held from Monday, December 16 to Sunday, January 5, 2025. The second term of the year will be in operation from Monday, January 6 until Friday, March 21. The spring break is in place from Monday, March 24 until April 13. The last term of the year begins on Monday, April 14, with the academic year not to end before June 28. Final end of term dates may vary by school, but the academic year cannot consist of fewer than the 182 days set out by authorities. The academic year is similar for Indian schools, which started the first 2024-25 term in April. They will have the same August 26 return date from the summer holiday and will have the same winter holiday in December. The school year will end in March 2025. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority – Dubai's private school regulator – said schools starting the academic year in April can break up at any point in March, as long as they have completed at least 182 school days.
