Schools across the United Arab Emirates have commenced their October half-term break, sparking a variety of plans among families to balance rest, recreation, and academic responsibilities. The break officially runs from Monday, October 12, to Friday, October 16, according to the UAE’s unified academic calendar. Including the weekends on either side, students will enjoy a nine-day hiatus from classes, covering October 10 to October 18, with lessons resuming on Monday, October 19.

For many families, the holiday provides a chance to reconnect with loved ones, travel, or simply rest. Dubai resident Dina Hakim plans a low-key week before taking a short trip to Ras Al Khaimah toward the end of the break. Given that both parents will be working during much of the holiday, Hakim opted against enrolling her children in structured camps for just a few days. Instead, she aims to maintain a relaxed pace at home to help her children catch up on schoolwork without overloading their schedule. "It's about striking a balance between keeping the children occupied while we work and giving them time to unwind and enjoy their holidays,” Hakim said.

Other families are using the break as an opportunity to travel abroad. Anjana Sengupata, for example, will take her daughter to India to participate in the Durga Puja festival, which coincides with the school holiday. The trip means missing a few school days after lessons resume, but Sengupata emphasized the cultural significance of the visit. “These trips are important because they give the children a chance to spend time with their extended family and experience our traditions firsthand,” she said, highlighting the value of maintaining ties to cultural roots for children living away from home.

Working parents with tighter budgets are also finding ways to keep their children engaged without resorting to costly summer camps. Mariam Haddad, a public relations professional in Dubai with two sons in Years 6 and 10, has arranged playdates for her younger son and developed a study schedule for her elder child, who follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum. “I want my son to catch up on his reading and writing, but I am not opting for structured camps because they are too expensive,” Haddad explained. She also noted that with many schools observing the holiday simultaneously this year, coordinating outdoor activities such as park visits and biking with friends has become simpler.

While the break offers a respite from regular classes, older students like Haddad’s son face academic tasks designed to keep them engaged. Haddad said she organizes the children’s day before leaving for work to balance school assignments with leisure time. This approach helps ensure the children return to the classroom refreshed while remaining on track academically when lessons resume next week.