UAE school holidays 2023: When does the new academic term start?

While the summer holidays still have a couple of weeks remaining, parents with children in school are getting ready for the new academic term. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has declared the dates for the new school terms for the academic year 2023-24.

The academic year has been divided into three semesters.

The KHDA has announced that Dubai private schools starting in September for the academic year 2023-2024 will start school on August 28.

Dubai private schools: Key dates for September start

28 August 2023	Start of academic year
11 December 2023	Start of winter break – All schools
02 January 2024	Resumption of classes after winter break – All schools
25 March 2024	Start of spring break – All schools
15 April 2024	Resumption of classes after spring break – All schools
28 June 2024	The academic year not to end before 28 June 2024

The KHDA allows schools some flexibility in setting the vacation periods but mandates the minimum number of instruction days set out by the UAE’s Ministry of Education. The UAE’s Ministry of Education mandates 188 days as the minimum number of academic days for schools following the MoE’s curriculum and 182 days for those schools following the international curriculum.

Dubai private schools: Key dates for April start

03 April 2023	Start of academic year
03 July 2023	Start of summer break
28 August 2023	Resumption of classes after summer break
11 December 2023	Start of winter break
02 January 2024	Resumption of classes after winter break
01 March 2024 – 31 March 2024	End of academic year

Back to school shopping

Shopping malls across Dubai have launched their annual ‘Back to school’ shopping offers keeping in mind the school re-opening dates. Dubai Shopping Malls Group said that 19 participating malls are hosting its 2023 shopping festival edition with Dhs100,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.

The shopping festival began on August 7 and will go on until September 3. Shoppers who spend Dhs200 at any of the participating malls will be automatically entered into the draws. The names of the twenty winners will be announced on August 27 and September 3.

Majid Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Shopping Malls Group, said, “This is a great opportunity for families to get everything they need for the new school year, and we hope they will take advantage of the savings and excitement that the campaign has to offer. At DSMG, we believe in fostering a spirit of community and creating cherished memories through shopping experiences. As we embark on this Back-to-School journey, we envision a seamless blend of shopping, winning, and delight for all our valued shoppers.”

Shoppers can head to malls such as the Al Ghurair Centre, Lulu Silicon Central, Mudon Community Center, Bay Avenue, Villanova Community Center, Al Khail Gate Community Center, Times Square Center, AL Barsha Mall, Al Barsha South Mall, and Dubai Festival Plaza to participate in the shopping festival.