UAE: Four-day Diwali break announced by Indian schools
AS Indian expats in the UAE prepare to celebrate the festival of lights, Indian curriculum schools are making it even more special for students by announcing a long weekend with a four-day Diwali break starting this Friday.
Some other schools are breaking for four days starting Saturday and will reopen on Wednesday, after the Diwali celebrations.
The move has been welcomed by parents and students alike, offering families quality time to celebrate the festival of lights together. The extended break, which coincides with the weekend, provides families extra time for travel, temple visits, and festive gatherings.
In a circular issued, Our Own Indian School in Dubai announced the holiday, stating: “On behalf of the entire OIS family, I extend warm wishes to you and your loved ones for a Happy Diwali. Please note that the school will remain closed on Friday, October 17, 2025, and Monday, October 20, 2025, on the occasion of Diwali. Regular school working hours will resume from Tuesday, October 21, 2025.”
Several other Indian schools under different education groups are also following similar schedules, aligning with community sentiments and festive observances.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals for the Indian Hindu community living in the UAE and across the world.
It is celebrated with traditional rituals, sweets, and the lighting of lamps. With the festive spirit in full swing, schools are encouraging students to use the break for cultural engagement and family bonding before returning refreshed for the second half of the term.
Joseph Sebastian, Vice Principal, Administration and Student Affairs, Woodlem Park School Dubai said, “Our community marks the Festival of Lights each year with warmth, inclusivity, and balance between celebration and learning; this year we have declared Monday, October 20 as a holiday, creating a family-friendly extended weekend, while students join the festive spirit with an Ethnic Wear Day on Friday, October 17, and staff celebrate together on Thursday, October 16 after school through a wellbeing gathering featuring a special lunch and stage performances.”
Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal of Credence High School, shared that the school community was informed of the holiday dates well in advance.
She said, “We will observe the midterm break from Monday, October 20, to Wednesday, October 22, 2025, which coincides with the festival of Diwali. These dates were shared with parents at the beginning of the academic year to allow families ample time to plan their celebrations and togetherness.”
Festivities on campus before the holidays
Across phases, institutions are encouraging simple, value-based classroom moments that honour the Diwali’s message of light, gratitude, and community— kept safe, respectful, and sustainable.
Most schools are organising festive, fun programmes on campus to give students a feel of the festivities.
Singh added, “At the campus, the Early Years children will come dressed in festive attire on Friday, October 17, while the senior students and teachers will join hands to decorate the school lobby, a joyful tradition we follow for every festival, whether it is Eid, Diwali, Christmas, or Easter.
"We believe that every celebration is a reminder of our shared humanity, a time to embrace the universal values of peace, unity, and brotherhood, which bind us together as one community.”
Spreading light and togetherness
In Abu Dhabi, Shining Star International School is also gearing up for Diwali festivities.
Abhilasha Singh, Principal of the school, said, “We have a two-day Diwali break on 21 and 22 October and classes will resume on October 23. We also hold a post-school Diwali celebration for our staff — a low-key yet lovely opportunity to bring the school community together. The children celebrate through a special morning assembly and card-making activities.”
