The General Administration of Education in Riyadh Region concluded a two-day "Back to School" program on 20 August 2026 at Panorama Mall in Riyadh, marking the start of the 1448–1449 academic year. The free public event drew a large turnout of students, families, and educational staff in the days leading up to the return to classrooms on 23 August.
The program featured a lively mix of activities designed to prepare children and their families for the new year. Highlights included a "Back to School" operetta performed by elementary students, a national scouts display, and meetings with distinguished students and teachers described as "school stars."
Organizers also arranged interactive discussion sessions, entertainment competitions, and awareness activities aimed at building readiness and encouraging positive learning habits. The sessions targeted students in public schools across Riyadh Region, along with parents and guardians as partners in motivation and preparation, and teaching and administrative staff.
The initiative is part of a wider region-wide back-to-school communication campaign. No participation fee was required, and attendance was open to the public without ticketing. Any purchases inside the mall, such as food or retail, follow normal commercial pricing and were not part of the program.
The event was a physical outreach effort at the mall and was not tied to any digital government platform or online pre-registration. For families across the capital, the gathering offered a practical and encouraging way to ease children back into the school routine after the summer break.
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