Summer Vacation in UAE 2025: When Do Schools Close for Holidays in Dubai and Other Emirates?

As summer approaches, many parents across the UAE start preparing for the long break from school. Whether it's planning a family trip, enrolling your child in a summer program, or simply figuring out a daily routine at home, it’s helpful to know the exact dates for the school holidays.

In the UAE, school calendars depend on the curriculum followed; some schools start their academic year in April (like Indian curriculum schools), while others begin in September (like British, American, IB, and Ministry of Education schools). 

Here’s a complete guide to when schools close and reopen in 2025, along with ideas on how to make this summer fun, educational, and meaningful for your child.

When Do Schools in UAE Close for Summer 2025?

In the UAE, schools follow two main academic calendars. Below are the expected dates for summer vacation in 2025:

1. April-Start Schools (Mostly Indian Curriculum)

• Last Day Before Break: Monday, 30 June 2025
• Summer Vacation: Tuesday, 1 July – Sunday, 24 August 2025
• School Reopens: Monday, 25 August 2025

These dates are followed by most Indian curriculum schools (CBSE/ICSE) across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.

2. September-Start Schools (International, British, American, MoE, IB)

• Last Day Before Break: Friday, 27 June 2025
• Summer Vacation: Saturday, 28 June – Sunday, 24 August 2025
• School Reopens: Monday, 25 August 2025

This schedule is followed by the majority of private and public schools across the UAE.

Summary Table

Important Notes for Parents

• Summer holidays last about 8 weeks for both types of school calendars.
• All schools must complete at least 182 academic days per academic year as per UAE guidelines.
• Public holidays like Eid, Islamic New Year, and UAE National Day may fall around this period and could add to the holidays. These are confirmed closer to the dates by the UAE government.
• Always confirm with your child’s school, as slight changes to dates may occur based on school policies.

Looking for ways to keep your child engaged and learning during summer break? Here are ten great ideas that combine fun, creativity, and skill-building—perfect for students of all ages.

1. Join a Summer Camp

Summer camps offer a lively environment where children can try new things outside the regular classroom. Whether it’s sports, science, arts, or public speaking, there’s something for every interest. 

Camps also help children make new friends, learn independence, and gain confidence while staying active.

2. Take a Short-Term Skill Course

Many learning centers and platforms offer short courses during the holidays. Students can pick up useful skills like coding, graphic design, video editing, foreign languages, or even cooking. 

These programs are often flexible and fun, allowing children to explore interests they may not get time for during the school year.

3. Explore Indoor Edutainment and Play Zones

With high summer temperatures, indoor activity centers are a great way to keep children moving and engaged. Places like Trampo Extreme, KidZania, The Green Planet, and Leo & Loona offer interactive zones where kids can learn through role-play, explore nature, or enjoy physical games—all in air-conditioned comfort.

4. Dive Into Sports and Fitness

Summer is also a good time to focus on health and fitness. Many sports centers run holiday camps for swimming, gymnastics, karate, and dance. These sessions not only improve physical strength but also help children develop discipline, focus, and team spirit.

5. Get Creative with Arts, Crafts, and Drama

From painting and sculpture to storytelling and theatre, creative activities give children the chance to express themselves in new ways. Art camps and drama workshops often end with showcases or exhibitions where kids proudly present what they’ve learned. It’s a great boost for self-confidence and imagination.

6. Join Science, Space, or Robotics Workshops

Hands-on STEM programs can make science and technology fun and accessible. Children can build simple machines, experiment with circuits, or even explore space concepts. Robotics and AI-themed camps also teach real-world skills in a playful, project-based format.

7. Experience UAE’s Culture and Heritage

Summer break is the perfect time to explore the country’s cultural side. Visits to museums, heritage sites, and educational centers like Qasr Al Hosn or Dubai Museum introduce students to Emirati history, traditions, and values in an engaging and interactive way.

8. Enjoy Early Morning or Evening Outdoor Activities

Beat the heat by stepping out during cooler hours—early in the morning or after sunset. Parks and beaches are still a great place for cycling, skating, or enjoying a family picnic. Places like Corniche Beach and Mushrif Park offer shaded areas and family-friendly zones.

9. Try DIY Projects and Home-Based Hobbies

You don’t always need to go outside for fun. Kids can take up DIY projects at home, such as gardening, origami, science experiments, or building models with LEGO. These activities encourage creativity, patience, and problem-solving—all while keeping screen time in check.

10. Relax, Read, and Recharge

Don’t forget that children also need time to rest. Public libraries across the UAE often host reading clubs and storytelling sessions. Encourage your child to pick up a new book, practice meditation or yoga, or simply enjoy a quiet hobby to unwind and reset for the new term.

Make This Summer Count with Interval Learning

At Interval Learning, we know that summer is more than just a break; it's a chance to grow. Our non-academic enrichment programs are specially designed for students to discover new skills and hobbies in a fun, relaxed setting. 

From drawing and vedic math to improving writing and interview preparation, our short courses are perfect for students from Class 1 to 12.

Contact us today!

Give your child a summer filled with learning and joy.
Explore Interval Learning’s holiday programs today.