Brief
UAE schools adopt October half‑term while CBSE schools continue classes
The UAE Ministry of Education set a unified October half‑term for schools on the national calendar, but CBSE‑affiliated schools keep their regular schedule.
By Felo News Desk · Published
UAE families see a five‑day school break from October 12 to 16, 2026, while many Indian and Asian curriculum schools, including those following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), remain in session, according to Khaleej Times.
What happened
The Ministry of Education issued a directive for schools that follow the UAE’s unified academic calendar to schedule a mid‑term break during the first semester. The break runs from October 12 to 16, with classes resuming on October 19. Schools that operate under different curricula or regulatory frameworks, such as CBSE, are not required to adopt this break and therefore continue teaching.
What the reports add
Khaleej Times explains that the half‑term is built into the rhythm of international curricula, providing a pause after several weeks of sustained learning. It notes that GEMS Wellington Academy aligned its calendar with the Ministry’s direction, while Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi also views the break as part of a successful academic rhythm.
What was said
Sarah O'Regan, Principal and CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis, told Khaleej Times, “Our half‑term break is October 12–16. The UAE Ministry of Education asked schools to align their academic calendars, as some schools had initially planned their half‑term for October 12 and others for October 19. We have therefore aligned with the October 12 start date.” She added, “We find that the break provides an important opportunity for children to rest and reset… Rest is not simply about stepping away from schoolwork. It is part of what allows learning to consolidate.” Thomas Kinnersley, Principal of Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, said, “I see a well‑timed mid‑term break as an important part of the rhythm of a successful school year, rather than an interruption to it.”
How it came about
The Ministry’s directive follows a broader effort to standardise academic calendars across the Emirates, ensuring uniform instructional days while accommodating the diverse curricula present in the country. International schools have traditionally incorporated a mid‑term pause, whereas CBSE schools follow a calendar set by the Indian board, which does not include an October half‑term.
Key facts
- UAE’s unified academic calendar mandates a half‑term break from Oct 12‑16, 2026. (khaleejtimes.com)
- CBSE‑affiliated schools in the UAE do not observe the October half‑term. (khaleejtimes.com)
- GEMS Wellington Academy aligned its calendar with the Ministry’s direction. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi views the break as part of the academic rhythm. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “Why do some UAE schools get an October half-term while CBSE schools don’t?”
