Summer Holidays for Teachers in the Middle East
The summer holiday is one of the most anticipated perks of teaching in the Middle East. With 6-10 weeks of paid leave, annual return flights included in most contracts, and a strategic geographic position that places you within affordable flight distance of Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, Middle East-based teachers enjoy some of the best holiday travel opportunities in the profession. This guide covers holiday entitlements, travel strategies, and practical tips for making the most of your summer break.
Holiday Entitlements by Country
| Country | Summer Break (Typical) | Additional Holidays | Total Annual Leave |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 6-8 weeks (July-August) | National Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, winter break (~2 weeks) | 10-12 weeks total |
| Qatar | 6-8 weeks | National Day, Islamic holidays, spring break (~1 week) | 10-12 weeks |
| Saudi Arabia | 8-10 weeks | National Day, Foundation Day, Islamic holidays | 12-14 weeks |
| Kuwait | 8-10 weeks | National/Liberation Days, Islamic holidays | 12-14 weeks |
| Oman | 7-9 weeks | National Day, Islamic holidays, winter break | 10-13 weeks |
| Bahrain | 6-8 weeks | National Day, Islamic holidays | 10-12 weeks |
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait typically offer the most generous summer breaks, while the UAE tends to have longer winter holidays to compensate. Your exact holiday dates are set by your school and may differ from government school holidays.
Flight Benefits and Travel Strategy
Most contracts include annual return flights to your home country — typically one set of flights per year, sometimes two. Strategic use of these flights, combined with the Gulf’s position as a global travel hub, can maximise your travel experiences significantly.
Multi-stop flights: Many airlines allow stopovers at no extra cost. A teacher flying from Dubai to London via Istanbul can spend a few days in Turkey. Emirates and Etihad offer generous stopover programmes. Use your employer-provided flights strategically — book the routing that gives you the most interesting stopovers.
Budget airlines: FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Jazeera Airways offer remarkably cheap flights throughout the region. Weekend trips to Georgia, Jordan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and East Africa are affordable impulse purchases. Sign up for airline newsletters to catch flash sales — flights under $100 return are not uncommon for nearby destinations.
Travel timing: Book summer flights early (January-February) for the best prices. Peak travel season is late June to mid-August when all schools are on break. July flights from the Gulf are the most expensive of the year. If your school finishes earlier or starts later, taking advantage of shoulder season dates saves significantly.
Where Teachers Travel
Most popular summer destinations: Home country (UK, US, Australia, South Africa — using employer-provided flights), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Bali, Vietnam — affordable and within 6-7 hours), Europe (direct flights to most major cities, 5-7 hours), East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania — safari trips, 4-5 hours), and the Maldives (3-4 hours from Dubai, premium resort escape).
Half-term and weekend trips: During shorter breaks, teachers explore closer destinations — Oman road trips, Bahrain weekends, Jordan’s Petra, Egypt’s pyramids, and Turkey. The GCC’s central location makes these trips easy and affordable. Many teachers build a travel bucket list and systematically explore the region during half-terms and long weekends.
Staying in the Middle East During Summer
Some teachers choose to remain in the Gulf during summer, particularly in their first year. While outdoor temperatures are extreme (40-50°C), indoor life continues comfortably with air conditioning. Summer offers discounts on hotel staycations, spa treatments, and dining. Shopping festivals (Dubai Summer Surprises) provide entertainment and deals. The pace of life slows significantly, which some teachers enjoy. However, the majority of teachers travel for at least part of the summer — the heat genuinely limits outdoor activities for months.
Practical Summer Logistics
Accommodation: If you rent your own apartment, it remains yours during summer. Some teachers sublet or find a flat-sitter to offset costs while away. If your school provides shared housing, check whether you can stay during summer or if the accommodation is needed for summer programme staff.
Visa considerations: Ensure your residence visa and passport are valid for re-entry. If your iqama (Saudi Arabia) or residency permit is expiring, coordinate renewal with HR before departing. Carry copies of your residency documents while travelling. See our travel from UAE guide for re-entry requirements.
Professional development: Many teachers use part of their summer for professional growth — online courses, conference attendance, or master’s degree work. Some schools provide PD budgets that can be used during summer for courses or certifications. This is time well invested for career progression. See our CPD guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are summer holidays paid?
Yes. Your salary continues throughout the summer break at most schools. You are paid for the full 12 months of your contract, and holiday periods are included. Some schools pay on a 10-month basis with summer unpaid (this is less common and should be clarified before accepting a position). Always confirm the payment structure in your contract — “12-month salary paid monthly” is the standard and most favourable arrangement.
Can I take on additional work during summer?
Working for another employer during summer while on your school’s visa is technically not permitted in most GCC countries. However, many teachers offer private tutoring, online teaching, or freelance educational consultancy during breaks. If considering additional work, check your contract for restrictive clauses and be mindful of visa regulations. Some schools actively recruit teachers for their summer programmes at additional pay.
How do teaching couples coordinate summer travel?
Teaching couples at the same school enjoy the advantage of synchronized holidays. Couples at different schools may have slightly different break dates — coordinate early and book flexible travel. Couples with children benefit from the generous family holiday packages offered by most schools (flights for all family members). See our teaching couples guide.
