Ramadan schedule set for schools in Saudi Arabia

Cairo: Education authorities in Saudi Arabia have started setting timetables for the school day during the Islamic month of Ramadan expected to begin this year on March 1, depending on sighting the crescent.

The fasting month of Ramadan this year coincides with the start of the third semester of the current academic year in the kingdom. The semester begins on March 2 for morning and evening schools as well as continuing education institutions in all government and private schools.

Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk daily during Ramadan.

The Saudi Ministry of Education has mandated education directors in regions and governorates across the country to determine the start time of the school day in coordination with relevant local authorities.

Some education authorities have already announced the start of the school day.

For example, the education authorities in the holy city of Mecca have set the start time for the school day during the month of Ramadan as follows: The school day for morning schools is to begin at 9am, evening schools at 1pm, and continuing education schools at 9.30pm.

In Medina, another holy Saudi city, the education directorate has set the start time for the first class of the school day during Ramadan at 9.30am in all boys’ and girls’ schools, and its affiliated offices.

In Ramadan, Muslims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia head in large numbers to the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest in Mecca, to perform the Umrah or minor pilgrimage and offer prayers. The month usually marks the peak of the Umrah season.

Many pilgrims also flock in Ramadan to Medina, home to the Prophet’s Mosque, Islam’s second holiest.