Saudi Schools Prepare For Students’ Return As New Academic Year Begins

Schools across Saudi Arabia are preparing for the return of students as the new academic year approaches. The Saudi schools return schedule will see administrators, teachers and students return in stages, with most students expected back in classrooms on August 23.

The phased return gives school leaders and staff time to prepare campuses, organise learning programmes and ensure schools are ready for the new term. However, four education departments will follow a different schedule because of the requirements of the Hajj season.

Saudi Schools Return In Stages

After a vacation that began on June 25, school administrators and supervisors will return on Tuesday, August 11.

Teachers will then return on Sunday, August 16. Students are scheduled to return to classrooms on Sunday, August 23. However, the education departments in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Taif will follow a separate schedule.

In these four departments, male and female teachers will return to schools on August 23. Classes will begin when male and female students return on August 30.

The staggered schedule gives schools time to complete preparations before students return. For parents, it also provides clear dates to plan transport, routines and other arrangements ahead of the new academic year.

Why The Saudi Schools Return Schedule Matters

The phased Saudi schools return schedule is particularly important for school leaders and educators preparing for the first weeks of term.

Schools must ensure classrooms, facilities and learning resources are ready before students arrive. Meanwhile, teachers can use the additional preparation period to organise lessons and establish expectations for the new academic year.

For students, returning to school after several weeks away also means adjusting to new routines. Parents can support this transition by gradually re-establishing regular sleep, study and morning routines before the first day.

Six Main School Holidays During The Year

Students can expect six main holiday periods during the academic year.

These include two days for National Day celebrations and nine days for the autumn holiday. The mid-year holiday will also last nine days. Students will additionally receive two days for Founding Day, followed by a 16-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

The Eid Al-Adha holiday will also last 16 days, although its timing will differ for the four education departments affected by the Hajj season.

Different Eid Al-Adha Arrangements For Four Departments

The academic calendar will remain unified across education departments for school holidays throughout the year, including the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

However, the Eid Al-Adha holiday will be an exception. In most education departments, the holiday will begin on the first day of Dhul Hijjah and continue until the 16th of the same month.

In Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Taif, the Eid Al-Adha holiday will instead begin on Dhul Qada 23 and continue until Dhul Hijjah 16. The adjustment takes into account work requirements and the special circumstances surrounding the Hajj season.

What Parents And Schools Should Prepare For

With the Saudi schools return schedule now approaching, parents can begin preparing children for the transition back to school. A gradual return to school-day routines can help students adjust more comfortably. Parents may also want to check school communications, transport arrangements, uniforms and required learning materials before the first day.

Meanwhile, school leaders and educators can use the preparation period to finalise timetables, classroom arrangements and student support plans.

Ultimately, a well-organised return can help schools begin the academic year smoothly while giving students the structure they need to settle back into learning.

For more deatils please visit

Website