October Half-Term Moved to 12 to 16 October for Several Dubai Schools
Several Dubai private schools, including Dubai British School, Safa British School and Arab Unity School, told parents the October half-term had moved forward a week. Reports name other schools too.
The new dates
The break was originally 19 to 23 October. It is now Monday 12 to Friday 16 October 2026. Pupils finish on Friday 9 October and return on Monday 19 October.
Schools made the change to match the academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education and followed by KHDA, which has told private schools to adhere to it. The ministry’s three-year calendar already listed 12 to 16 October.
Does it apply to your school?
Not automatically. Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi curriculum schools set their own dates. Private schools outside the national curriculum can also apply to split the mid-term break between October and February, up to five school days in total. Confirm with your school before booking travel. For the full year, see our guide to which Dubai schools follow the calendar, or the complete list of term dates in the 2026-27 school calendar.
