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Diwali 2026 Holidays at UAE Indian Schools: Days Off, School by School

Last updated: Sep 23, 2026
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  1. Diwali 2026 days off, school by school
  2. Flights home that fit your break
  3. Questions
  4. Sources

Diwali 2026 days off, school by school

School calendars checked 23 September 2026. Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November.

15 of 39schools have published their Diwali 2026 days offAll of them close on Monday 9 November, and six also close on Tuesday 10 November. Choose your school above to see its dates.
Credence High SchoolNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20 to Wed 22 Oct off.School calendar
Delhi Private School DubaiNot confirmedMonday 9 November looks likelyThe school calendar shades Monday 9 November as a day off but does not name it. Diwali 2025: Mon 20 Oct off.School calendar
GEMS Legacy School3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. No Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
GEMS Modern Academy · Nad Al Sheba4 days offSaturday 7 to Tuesday 10 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9, Tue 10 Nov. No Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
GEMS New Millennium School, Al Khail · Al Khail4 days offSaturday 7 to Tuesday 10 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9, Tue 10 Nov. No Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai · Al Warqa’aNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
GEMS Our Own High School, Al Warqa’a · Al Warqa’aNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
GEMS Our Own Indian School · Al QuozNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Fri 17, Mon 20 Oct off.School calendar
Global Indian International School Dubai4 days offSaturday 7 to Tuesday 10 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9, Tue 10 Nov. No Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Gulf Indian High SchoolNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
JSS Private SchoolNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Springdales School DubaiNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
The Indian Academy Dubai3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. No Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
The Indian High School, Oud Metha · Oud MethaNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20 to Wed 22 Oct off.School calendar
The Millennium School, Dubai · Al QusaisNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Woodlem Park School Dubai · Al QusaisNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20 Oct off.School calendar
Abu Dhabi Indian School, Branch 1 · Al WathbaNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.
Abu Dhabi Indian School, main campus · Al Muroor4 days offSaturday 7 to Tuesday 10 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9, Tue 10 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
Asian International Private School, Branch 1 · Al Dhannah (Ruwais)3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. No Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Bhavans Private International English School · Abu Dhabi city3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20 Oct off.School calendar
Bright Riders School · Abu Dhabi4 days offSaturday 7 to Tuesday 10 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9, Tue 10 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
Dunes International School · Shabiya3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
GEMS Our Own English High School Al Ain · Al AinNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20 Oct off.
GEMS United Indian School · Baniyas3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. No Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi · Baniyas EastNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
Indian School Al Ain · Al Ain3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20 Oct off.School calendar
International Indian School · Baniyas West4 days offSaturday 7 to Tuesday 10 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9, Tue 10 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
Mayoor Private School · Abu Dhabi city3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
Shining Star International School · Abu Dhabi (Mussafah / Mohamed Bin Zayed City area)Not announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Tue 21, Wed 22 Oct off.
Sunrise English Private School · Abu Dhabi city3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 NovemberSchool closes Mon 9 Nov. Diwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
The Model School · MussafahNo day offon its approved calendar9 and 10 November are school days on the 2026-27 calendar. A later circular could still change that.School calendar
Delhi Private School Sharjah · Muwaileh CommercialNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
GEMS Our Own English High School Sharjah, Boys · Al Qadisiya / Muwaileh school zoneNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct off.School calendar
GEMS Our Own English High School Sharjah, Girls · Al Qadisiya / Muwaileh school zoneNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Gulf Asian English School · Al MuwailehNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Habitat School, Al Jurf · Ajman, Al Jurf 2Not announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
India International School Sharjah · Muwaileh school zoneNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
Sharjah Indian School, Ghubaiba · GhubaibaNot announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberDiwali 2025: Mon 20 Oct off.School calendar
Sharjah Indian School, Juwaiza branch · Juwaiza (near Sajaa)Not announcedExpect a circular in mid-OctoberNo Diwali 2025 record found.School calendar
See every school
DubaiGEMS Modern AcademyNad Al Sheba · 2025: not found4 days offMon 9, Tue 10 NovGEMS New Millennium School, Al KhailAl Khail · 2025: not found4 days offMon 9, Tue 10 NovGlobal Indian International School Dubai2025: not found4 days offMon 9, Tue 10 NovGEMS Legacy School2025: not found3 days offMon 9 NovThe Indian Academy Dubai2025: not found3 days offMon 9 NovCredence High School2025: Mon 20 to Wed 22 OctNot yetannouncedDelhi Private School Dubai2025: Mon 20 OctNot confirmedMon 9 shaded onlyGEMS Our Own English High School, DubaiAl Warqa’a · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedGEMS Our Own High School, Al Warqa’aAl Warqa’a · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedGEMS Our Own Indian SchoolAl Quoz · 2025: Fri 17, Mon 20 OctNot yetannouncedGulf Indian High School2025: not foundNot yetannouncedJSS Private School2025: not foundNot yetannouncedSpringdales School Dubai2025: not foundNot yetannouncedThe Indian High School, Oud MethaOud Metha · 2025: Mon 20 to Wed 22 OctNot yetannouncedThe Millennium School, DubaiAl Qusais · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedWoodlem Park School DubaiAl Qusais · 2025: Mon 20 OctNot yetannouncedAbu DhabiAbu Dhabi Indian School, main campusAl Muroor · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct4 days offMon 9, Tue 10 NovBright Riders SchoolAbu Dhabi · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct4 days offMon 9, Tue 10 NovInternational Indian SchoolBaniyas West · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct4 days offMon 9, Tue 10 NovAsian International Private School, Branch 1Al Dhannah (Ruwais) · 2025: not found3 days offMon 9 NovBhavans Private International English SchoolAbu Dhabi city · 2025: Mon 20 Oct3 days offMon 9 NovDunes International SchoolShabiya · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct3 days offMon 9 NovGEMS United Indian SchoolBaniyas · 2025: not found3 days offMon 9 NovIndian School Al AinAl Ain · 2025: Mon 20 Oct3 days offMon 9 NovMayoor Private SchoolAbu Dhabi city · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct3 days offMon 9 NovSunrise English Private SchoolAbu Dhabi city · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 Oct3 days offMon 9 NovThe Model SchoolMussafah · 2025: not foundNo day offon its calendarAbu Dhabi Indian School, Branch 1Al Wathba · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedGEMS Our Own English High School Al AinAl Ain · 2025: Mon 20 OctNot yetannouncedGlobal Indian International School Abu DhabiBaniyas East · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 OctNot yetannouncedShining Star International SchoolAbu Dhabi (Mussafah / Mohamed Bin Zayed City area) · 2025: Tue 21, Wed 22 OctNot yetannouncedSharjah and AjmanDelhi Private School SharjahMuwaileh Commercial · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 OctNot yetannouncedGEMS Our Own English High School Sharjah, BoysAl Qadisiya / Muwaileh school zone · 2025: Mon 20, Tue 21 OctNot yetannouncedGEMS Our Own English High School Sharjah, GirlsAl Qadisiya / Muwaileh school zone · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedGulf Asian English SchoolAl Muwaileh · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedHabitat School, Al JurfAjman, Al Jurf 2 · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedIndia International School SharjahMuwaileh school zone · 2025: not foundNot yetannouncedSharjah Indian School, GhubaibaGhubaiba · 2025: Mon 20 OctNot yetannouncedSharjah Indian School, Juwaiza branchJuwaiza (near Sajaa) · 2025: not foundNot yetannounced

Every UAE Indian school that has published a Diwali 2026 date closes on Monday 9 November, and six also close Tuesday. That makes a three or four-day weekend. The rest usually confirm by circular in mid-October, as they did last year.

Flights home that fit your break

Wego fares, sampled 23 September 2026, from prices in AED. Cheapest return, one adult.
School reopens on

Flying from

2 days offSaturday 7 and Sunday 8 NovemberDiwali falls on the Sunday, so this is an ordinary weekend. That is too short to fly to India and back without rushing, so a night or two in a UAE hotel is the easier way to mark it.A hotel stay, Fri 6 to Sun 8 Nov, two adultsDubai hotels2 nights, your weekend datesSee hotelsAbu Dhabi hotels2 nights, your weekend datesSee hotels
3 days offSaturday 7 to Monday 9 November
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Mon 9 Nov. 3 nights at home.Dubai to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 18:40, 3h 55mAED 1,019return, fromDubai to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:05, 4h 10mAED 1,062return, fromDubai to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 19:15, 3h 35mAED 1,420return, fromDubai to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:20, 3h 25mAED 1,421return, fromDubai to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 21:30, 4h 00mAED 1,436return, fromDubai to MangaluruNonstop, leaves Fri 17:00, 3h 40mAED 1,438return, fromDubai to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 20:40, 3h 40mAED 2,053return, fromDubai to LucknowNonstop, leaves Fri 19:55, 3h 45mAED 2,618return, from
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Mon 9 Nov. 3 nights at home.Abu Dhabi to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 21:25, 3h 45mAED 968return, fromAbu Dhabi to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:00, 3h 55mAED 1,012return, fromAbu Dhabi to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 22:40, 4h 05mAED 1,328return, fromAbu Dhabi to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 15:40, 3h 40mAED 1,337return, fromAbu Dhabi to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 18:15, 3h 15mAED 1,427return, fromAbu Dhabi to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:10, 3h 20mAED 1,729return, fromAbu Dhabi to MangaluruNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive faresAbu Dhabi to LucknowNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive fares
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Mon 9 Nov. 3 nights at home.Sharjah to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 22:20, 3h 25mAED 1,066return, fromSharjah to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 23:30, 4h 10mAED 1,128return, fromSharjah to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 21:45, 3h 50mAED 1,289return, fromSharjah to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 21:45, 3h 45mAED 1,315return, fromSharjah to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:20, 3h 00mAED 1,346return, fromSharjah to Lucknow1 stop, leaves Fri 22:20, 9h 35mAED 2,290return, fromSharjah to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:00, 3h 10mAED 2,347return, fromSharjah to MangaluruNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive fares
4 days offSaturday 7 to Tuesday 10 November
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Tue 10 Nov. 4 nights at home.Dubai to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 18:40, 3h 55mAED 1,019return, fromDubai to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:45, 4h 00mAED 1,226return, fromDubai to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:20, 3h 25mAED 1,386return, fromDubai to MangaluruNonstop, leaves Fri 17:00, 3h 40mAED 1,425return, fromDubai to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 19:15, 3h 35mAED 1,437return, fromDubai to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 21:30, 4h 00mAED 1,540return, fromDubai to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 20:40, 3h 40mAED 2,016return, fromDubai to LucknowNonstop, leaves Fri 19:55, 3h 45mAED 2,785return, from
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Tue 10 Nov. 4 nights at home.Abu Dhabi to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:00, 3h 55mAED 908return, fromAbu Dhabi to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 23:30, 3h 55mAED 1,011return, fromAbu Dhabi to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 22:40, 4h 05mAED 1,012return, fromAbu Dhabi to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 15:40, 3h 40mAED 1,337return, fromAbu Dhabi to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 18:15, 3h 15mAED 1,427return, fromAbu Dhabi to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:10, 3h 20mAED 1,862return, fromAbu Dhabi to MangaluruNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive faresAbu Dhabi to LucknowNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive fares
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Tue 10 Nov. 4 nights at home.Sharjah to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 22:20, 3h 25mAED 1,060return, fromSharjah to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 23:30, 4h 10mAED 1,128return, fromSharjah to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 21:45, 3h 45mAED 1,276return, fromSharjah to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 21:45, 3h 50mAED 1,289return, fromSharjah to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:20, 3h 00mAED 1,346return, fromSharjah to Lucknow1 stop, leaves Fri 22:20, 9h 35mAED 2,290return, fromSharjah to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:00, 3h 10mAED 2,385return, fromSharjah to MangaluruNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive fares
5 days offSaturday 7 to Wednesday 11 November
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Wed 11 Nov. 5 nights at home.Dubai to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 18:40, 3h 55mAED 1,020return, fromDubai to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:05, 4h 10mAED 1,034return, fromDubai to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:20, 3h 25mAED 1,360return, fromDubai to MangaluruNonstop, leaves Fri 17:00, 3h 40mAED 1,397return, fromDubai to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 21:30, 4h 00mAED 1,436return, fromDubai to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 19:15, 3h 35mAED 1,437return, fromDubai to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 21:30, 3h 10mAED 1,607return, fromDubai to LucknowNonstop, leaves Fri 19:55, 3h 45mAED 2,618return, from
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Wed 11 Nov. 5 nights at home.Abu Dhabi to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 23:25, 3h 45mAED 890return, fromAbu Dhabi to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:00, 3h 55mAED 908return, fromAbu Dhabi to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 22:40, 4h 05mAED 1,012return, fromAbu Dhabi to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 15:40, 3h 40mAED 1,338return, fromAbu Dhabi to Mangaluru1 stop, leaves Fri 23:55, 7h 25mAED 1,411return, fromAbu Dhabi to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 18:15, 3h 15mAED 1,424return, fromAbu Dhabi to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:10, 3h 20mAED 2,563return, fromAbu Dhabi to LucknowNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive fares
Leave Fri 6 Nov after school, back Wed 11 Nov. 5 nights at home.Sharjah to HyderabadNonstop, leaves Fri 22:20, 3h 25mAED 1,060return, fromSharjah to ThiruvananthapuramNonstop, leaves Fri 23:30, 4h 10mAED 1,063return, fromSharjah to KozhikodeNonstop, leaves Fri 21:45, 3h 45mAED 1,171return, fromSharjah to KochiNonstop, leaves Fri 21:45, 3h 50mAED 1,271return, fromSharjah to MumbaiNonstop, leaves Fri 16:20, 3h 00mAED 1,346return, fromSharjah to DelhiNonstop, leaves Fri 22:00, 3h 10mAED 2,278return, fromSharjah to Lucknow1 stop, leaves Fri 22:20, 9h 35mAED 2,289return, fromSharjah to MangaluruNo nonstop after 3pm in our sampleSearchlive fares

With a Monday off, leaving after school on Friday gives three nights at home. A later return barely changes the fare, so if your school adds Tuesday, take it. Abu Dhabi or Sharjah beat Dubai on 7 of 8 routes for the three-day break.

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Questions

How many days off do UAE Indian schools get for Diwali 2026?

Of the 39 schools we checked, 15 have published a Diwali day off. Every one closes on Monday 9 November, and 6 also close on Tuesday 10 November. With the weekend, that is a three or four-day break.

When is Diwali 2026 in the UAE?

The main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. Sunday is part of the UAE weekend, so the festival day itself needs no time off school or work.

Who decides the Diwali holiday at my child’s school?

The school does, with approval from its regulator: KHDA in Dubai, ADEK in Abu Dhabi and SPEA in Sharjah. Diwali is not a UAE public holiday, so each school sets its own days and they can differ between schools in the same area.

My school has not announced its Diwali break. When will it?

Most likely in mid-October. In 2025, Gulf News and Khaleej Times reported the Diwali circulars on 15 October, days before the break. Several Abu Dhabi calendars already carry the dates but mark them as tentative, so check the school’s own notice before you book.

Is it cheaper to fly home from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah instead of Dubai?

Often. For the three-day break, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah beat Dubai on 7 of the 8 routes we priced. Pick your airport in the flight finder to compare, and count the drive to the airport too.

Does an extra night at home cost much more?

Almost nothing on most routes. Across the flights we priced, the typical return fare moved by less than AED 20 between three, four and five nights at home. Switch the reopening day in the flight finder to check your route.

Sources

  • Gulf News, 15 October 2025, Diwali 2025 breaks by school and the approving regulators.
  • Khaleej Times, 15 October 2025, Diwali 2025 school dates.
  • ADEK School Calendar and Public Holidays Policy, how Abu Dhabi schools set their calendars.
  • Each school’s own 2026-27 calendar, checked 23 September 2026. Links below.
  • Wego public holidays feed for India, Diwali on 8 November 2026.
  • Wego flight search, sampled 23 September 2026 in AED.
  • Wego booking data for flights leaving the UAE around Diwali 2025, used to choose the eight cities.
Each school’s calendar
How these figures were produced
  • We checked 39 Indian-curriculum schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman on 23 September 2026. A school counts as published only when its own calendar names a day off for Diwali in November 2026, or a clearly labelled holiday on Diwali Monday.
  • GIIS Dubai calls its 9 and 10 November closure Wellbeing Holidays. GEMS New Millennium calls it a mid-term break. DPS Dubai shades Monday 9 November on an unlabelled calendar, so it is not counted.
  • Calendars are plans approved at the start of the year and many are marked tentative. A later circular can change them. 2025 dates come from news reports or that year’s calendar.
  • Days off count the weekend plus the school holidays. Sharjah schools already have Friday off, so the break there starts a day earlier.
  • Each flight row is the cheapest nonstop return for one adult in economy, leaving Friday 6 November at 15:00 or later and flying back the day before school reopens. Where no nonstop was on sale, the cheapest one-stop trip under ten hours each way that lands back the same day is shown.
  • Fares were searched on Wego’s UAE site in AED on 23 September 2026. The Wego search a row opens shows every departure time, so it can show a lower fare than the row.
  • The eight cities are the Indian destinations UAE travellers booked most on Wego for departures in the two weeks around Diwali 2025.

Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.

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