Early holidays announced for schools, universities amid US-Iran war

2026-03-06 - 06:43

DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates government has announced an early spring break for students, faculty, and administrative staff in schools and universities across the country. According to the UAE Government Media Office, the holidays will now begin on Monday, March 9, and continue through Sunday, March 22. Classes and official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23. This adjustment replaces the previously scheduled spring break, which was set for March 16 to 29 for the 2025–2026 academic year. The last day of classes before the holiday is now March 8. The early break applies to all students and staff in both public and private educational institutions throughout the UAE. The early spring break comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East which sparked after the US and Israel launched attack against Iran. In response, Tehran has started targeted US bases in its ally countries, including the UAE, and Israel in counterstrikes. Gulf nations are on heightened alert following multiple drone and missile attacks by Iran in retaliation for ongoing strikes by the United States and Israel. Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates were targeted late Thursday, with Kuwait’s army general staff reporting on social media that its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming projectiles.