Saudi Schools Return to Two-Semester Year in 2025-2026

Saudi public schools will return to a two-semester academic year starting 1447–1448 AH (2025–2026), following a four-year roadmap that keeps this structure in place through 1451 AH. Preparations are already under way, including staff readiness dates, updated lesson plans, and a new nationwide digital curriculum.

Student attendance begins on 24 August 2025 in most regions. In Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, classes start one week later on 31 August 2025. Educational supervisors and administrative staff in most regions return on 12 August, with teachers following on 17 August. In Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, supervisors and administrators return on 17 August and teachers on 24 August.

The 2025–2026 calendar spans 180 instructional days. A nine-day autumn break runs 21–29 November 2025, followed by a mid-year break from 9–17 January 2026. A winter schedule applies from 2 November 2025 to 17 February 2026, with morning assembly at 6:45 a.m. and classes at 7:00 a.m. in Riyadh and major cities. Integrated holidays include National Day (23 September), Founding Day (22 February), and Eid al-Fitr from 6–28 March 2026.

Weekly lesson loads vary by stage. Elementary grades 1–3 have 33 classes while grades 4–6 cover 10 subjects. Intermediate grades run 35 classes weekly, and the general secondary track has 32 classes with subject counts shifting between semesters.

Why it matters

A key feature this year is the introduction of a nationwide Artificial Intelligence curriculum across grades, with hands-on modules to build digital and analytical skills. Applied digital skills continue from grade 4, alongside critical thinking subjects. For families across the Kingdom, the confirmed dates and structure offer clarity to plan the year ahead.

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