As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the Saudi Ministry of Education has issued official guidance on student attendance and school schedules during the holy month. The directive aims to balance academic continuity with the unique spiritual and physical demands associated with fasting and worship.
The announcement has sparked widespread interest among families, many of whom have been questioning whether schools would close or move to flexible learning arrangements during Ramadan.
Schools To Remain Open During Ramadan
According to ministry directives, schools across Saudi Arabia will remain open during Ramadan. However, operating hours will be adjusted to accommodate students observing fasting. Education authorities stressed that the primary objective is to support both student wellbeing and academic progress, while respecting the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
Saudi Ministry Sets Ramadan Attendance Rules
The Ministry has introduced revised school timings to ease pressure on fasting students.
Classroom start times will move to later in the morning, allowing students additional rest before school. Lesson durations and lunchtime breaks will also be modified to help reduce fatigue and improve concentration during fasting hours. To maintain regular attendance, the Ministry has launched a monitoring programme designed to track absences. Officials will follow up with students who are expected to miss classes, focusing on minimising unnecessary absences that may affect academic performance.
In certain reports, the Ministry confirmed that it will record the names of students likely to be absent and analyse the reasons for their absence. This step is intended to provide psychological and educational support to students who find it difficult to adjust to the Ramadan timetable, rather than impose punishment.
Authorities also confirmed the introduction of strict disciplinary action for unexplained or repeated absences, described as one of the strongest attendance enforcement measures implemented in the Kingdom’s education system.
What Students Can Expect During Ramadan
The academic calendar for the 2025 to 2026 school year already includes Ramadan and Eid holidays as part of its structure. Under the current schedule, students will attend school for approximately 11 days during Ramadan. This reduction is due to shortened academic weeks and the overlap with pre-scheduled holidays, including the extended Eid al-Fitr break following the end of Ramadan. Families have largely welcomed this approach, particularly for younger students, as it maintains academic continuity while allowing time for spiritual observance and rest.
Strict Rules For Delays And Discipline
While the Ministry has introduced flexible hours during Ramadan, education authorities emphasised that academic standards will remain unchanged. Schools have been instructed to strictly follow approved start and end times, with delays in morning attendance not permitted. School administrations will be held accountable for student “leakage”, referring to students leaving early or missing lessons during the day. Additionally, there will be “no leniency” regarding school uniform requirements. Students are expected to maintain proper dress standards throughout Ramadan. Teachers have also been directed to maximise lesson time, referred to as the Hessa, to prevent any loss of learning outcomes.
28-Day Break Scheduled For Students
The emphasis on attendance during the first half of Ramadan is balanced by an extended holiday schedule later in the term. Students across Saudi Arabia are expected to receive a total of 28 days of holidays during the second semester.
The Eid Al-Fitr holiday is scheduled to begin at the end of the school day on Thursday, Ramadan 17 (March 6, 2026), continuing until March 28, 2026. By maintaining discipline during the initial 11 days of Ramadan, education authorities aim to ensure students benefit fully from the extended holiday period while maintaining academic standards for more than six million students across the Kingdom.
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