Two million students return to schools in Makkah and Madinah
Nearly two million students from educational institutions in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif resumed classes after the summer break. Regional education authorities have completed preparations for the new academic year.
Massive start of the academic year in four regions
The return of students took place on Sunday when the four largest educational centers in Saudi Arabia opened the doors of their schools. In Makkah, about 464 thousand students resumed their studies, in Taif — 270 thousand. Jeddah welcomed the largest number of students — approximately 700 thousand individuals studying in 2862 public, private, international, and foreign schools. In Madinah, around half a million students began their studies in 2631 schools. This event marks the beginning of a new academic year after the summer holidays for millions of families in the region.
Development of educational infrastructure
The cities are investing in modernizing the education system. Jeddah has added 27 modern schools built in partnership with the private sector. Additionally, five early development projects have been opened, eight institutions following the "Asil" model, and 30 schools are under construction as part of housing projects. These initiatives reflect the commitment to meet the growth of the urban population and the expansion of infrastructure. Madinah has engaged over 38 thousand teachers to ensure a quality educational process and has also prepared special programs for 24.6 thousand first-graders and 19.7 thousand kindergarten students.
Additional holidays in the academic calendar
The education authorities announced additional days off not included in the main academic calendar of the Ministry of Education. Additional holidays have been set for Sunday, October 25, Sunday, November 29, 2026, Thursday, January 7, and Sunday in April 2027. However, for the schools in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, there is only one additional date — October 25, 2026. The main calendar includes six established holiday periods: National Day, autumn break, winter break, Foundation Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did students return to schools in Makkah and Madinah?
Approximately two million students returned to educational institutions in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif on Sunday after the summer break. Other regions of Saudi Arabia began the academic year a week earlier, on August 23.
How many new schools were built in Jeddah?
Jeddah expanded its educational infrastructure by 27 modern schools in collaboration with the private sector, as well as five early development centers and eight institutions following a special education model.
What additional holidays have been announced for the academic year?
In addition to the standard holidays, additional days off have been announced: October 25, 2026, November 29, 2026, January 7, and April 2027. For schools in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, there is only one additional date — October 25.
