Saudi students to return to classrooms on Sunday, with just 11 school days during Ramadan

Saudis to begin second term, with shortened Ramadan school schedule ahead

Last updated: January 14, 2026 | 22:59

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

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Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Agencies

Dubai: More than six million students across Saudi Arabia will return to classrooms on Sunday for the start of the second term of the current academic year, following a nine-day midyear break. Education authorities have confirmed that students will attend school for only 11 days during Ramadan, reflecting a shortened academic schedule for the holy month.

Students will also benefit from an extended break during Ramadan, followed by the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

According to the academic calendar, the second term will include four official holidays. The first falls on the fifth of Ramadan to mark Founding Day. The second is the Eid Al Fitr break, which will run from the 17th of Ramadan, March 6, through March 28, 2026, according to Okaz Arabic daily.

The third holiday will be the Eid Al Adha break, which is set to last 10 days, from May 22 to June 1. An exception applies to education departments in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Taif, where the holiday will begin earlier, at the end of the school day on Thursday, the 27th of Dhu Al Qadah.

The fourth and final break will mark the end of the academic year, with the summer holiday scheduled to run from June 25 to August 23.

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Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.