Kamal Ghorui
Eid Al Adha holidays and the mid-term school break are expected to merge into an extended holiday period later this month. Schools are now adjusting revision timetables, exam preparation plans and parent communication strategies to balance academics with family travel and student wellbeing.According to the UAE’s approved 2026 public holiday calendar, Arafah Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha holidays from May 27 to May 29, subject to official moon-sighting confirmation. When combined with weekends, many students and residents could enjoy up to six consecutive days off.At the same time, the UAE Ministry of Education has already confirmed a separate mid-term break for schools from May 25 to May 29. Because weekends fall immediately before and after the break, many students may effectively receive a nine-day holiday away from classrooms.
UAE private schools’ Eid holidays
With final assessments approaching in many schools, administrators are carefully reorganising academic schedules before students leave for the holiday break. Several private schools said they are increasing revision sessions, sharing study materials earlier and ensuring parents clearly understand deadlines and post-holiday academic expectations.School leaders said maintaining consistency has become especially important after long stretches of remote and hybrid learning during the academic year. Educators are trying to prevent students from falling behind while also recognising the importance of giving families time together during Eid celebrations.Many schools are also using digital learning platforms to keep students connected with coursework during the break, although educators stressed that the focus remains on balanced learning rather than overloading children with assignments.
UAE families rush for Eid holiday
The extended holiday window is expected to trigger a major travel rush across the UAE, with families planning overseas trips, staycations and visits to relatives. Long public holidays in the Emirates typically lead to sharp increases in demand for flights and hotels, especially when school breaks align with official holidays.Parents are also welcoming the timing of the break because it arrives just before the final exam phase in many schools. Education officials and school administrators believe the short pause could help students return refreshed before year-end assessments begin in June and July.Teachers meanwhile described the holiday as a needed breather after months of continuous academic pressure and curriculum planning. Some schools said they intentionally communicated holiday schedules early so parents could organise travel without uncertainty.
Looking ahead
The Eid Al Adha break is part of a wider trend of extended public holidays in the UAE’s 2026 calendar. Government-approved schedules this year include several strategically aligned holidays that allow residents to maximise annual leave and enjoy longer breaks.For schools, however, the challenge lies in balancing holiday flexibility with academic continuity. Institutions are expected to continue following guidelines issued by education authorities including KHDA and the UAE Ministry of Education before confirming final schedules to parents.While official Eid dates still depend on moon sightings, families across the Emirates are already preparing for what could become one of the busiest travel and holiday periods of 2026.
