Saudi Schools Reopen for 2026–27 Academic Year

More than 4.5 million students across Saudi Arabia are heading back to classrooms as the 2026–27 (1448 AH) academic year gets underway, with authorities completing preparations for an organized start Kingdom-wide.

For most regions, classes begin on Sunday 23 August 2026 (10 Rabiʿ I 1448 AH). In Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Taif, students return one week later, on Sunday 30 August 2026 (17 Rabiʿ I 1448 AH). The public-school year runs until 24 June 2027 (19 Muharram 1449 AH).

Staff and supervisors returned from summer break around 11 August 2026, followed by teachers around 16 August 2026 (3 Rabiʿ I 1448 AH). In public schools, morning assembly during summer begins at 06:15 with the first class at 06:30, shifting to 06:45 assembly and a 07:00 start in winter. During Ramadan, classes begin at 09:00.

Key dates on the calendar

Students follow the Ministry of Education 1448 AH calendar. The National Day break falls around 23–26 September 2026 (12–15 Rabiʿ II 1448 AH), followed by a fall break around 20–28 November 2026 (9–18 Jumada II 1448 AH). The first semester ends on 7 January 2027, with the second semester starting Sunday 17 January 2027 (9 Jumada I 1448 AH).

The Eid al-Fitr break begins on 25 February 2027 (18 Ramadan 1448 AH), with students and teachers returning on 14 March 2027 (6 Shawwal 1448 AH).

The staggered start dates and clear calendar help families across Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities plan schedules, transport and childcare ahead of a busy academic year.

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