Indian Curriculum Schools in UAE Plan Extended Diwali Breaks

What Happened

Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Several Indian curriculum schools in the UAE are planning holiday schedules that may result in a four-day weekend for students.

• Gems Our Own Indian School in Dubai plans a four-day break by adjoining the holiday to the weekend, according to principal and chief executive Lalitha Suresh [1].
• Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi is also planning a four-day break [1]. Principal Abhilasha Singh stated the school follows an approval process through the ADEK activity calendar to allocate two days for Diwali and one day for another autumn festival [1].
• ADEK allows a maximum of 196 teaching days and a minimum of 191 days [1].
• Sharjah Indian School will not provide separate holidays for Diwali [1]. The school explained that because schools now have a three-day weekend and four working days per week, festival holidays must be accommodated within the existing academic calendar [1].

In addition to school schedules, various community celebrations are planned across the UAE:

• Dubai’s official Festival of Lights runs from November 2 to 12, organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment [2].
• The Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef is scheduled for November 7 and 8 [2].
• BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi will hold celebrations from November 6 to 10, including a webcast of Dhanteras Pujan on Friday, November 6 at 8.30pm UAE time [2].
• Dubai Holding Communities will host events across 17 neighbourhoods, including Al Furjan, Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Discovery Gardens, Villanova, Remraam, Dubai Wharf, Bay Square, and Jumeirah Islands [2].

Who Is Affected

• Students and families attending Indian curriculum schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi may receive a four-day break [1].
• Students at Sharjah Indian School will not receive additional days off due to the current four-day work week and CBSE curriculum requirements [1].
• Visitors to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi must register in advance through the mandir.ae website or the Mandir Abu Dhabi app, as walk-in entry is not permitted [2].
• Attendees at the BAPS Hindu Mandir must wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees [2].