The General Directorate of Education in Makkah Region has officially announced the start times for the school day in all schools across the region and its governorates during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. This decision comes as part of organizational plans aimed at aligning the educational process with the spirituality of the holy month and ensuring a stimulating educational environment that takes into account the physiological and social changes experienced by students during the fasting days.
Details of the study schedule during Ramadan
The administration explained in its detailed statement that the first period in morning schools will begin at 9:00 AM , a time carefully chosen to ensure students have sufficient rest after performing the Fajr prayer. As for continuing education (evening classes), it was decided that classes will begin at 9:30 PM , coinciding with the Taraweeh prayer times.
Regarding administrative staff, the administration has set working hours for all employees at five hours per day, starting from ten o'clock in the morning until three o'clock in the evening, in line with the regulations in place for flexible working hours in the government sectors during the holy month, and in a way that ensures the continuation of administrative work with high efficiency and the achievement of job discipline.
Organizational context and the importance of flexible timing
This measure is part of a series of educational policies adopted by the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate matters for students and parents. Historically, studying during Ramadan has evolved significantly, from full holidays in previous decades to continued classes with reduced hours and adjusted schedules, reinforcing the value of work and learning as an act of worship. The 9:00 AM start time is a strategic choice that balances students' need for adequate sleep with the necessity of maintaining uninterrupted academic progress.
Expected impact on the Makkah community
This decision is particularly important in the Makkah region, given the unique geographical and spiritual significance of the holy city, which experiences a high volume of visitors and pilgrims during Ramadan. It is expected that delaying the start of the school day to 9:00 AM will contribute to:
- Reducing traffic congestion: by distributing peak times and separating the movement of employees and students from the movement of pilgrims in the early morning hours.
- Improving academic performance: The appropriate timing helps students concentrate better compared to the early morning hours, which may be marred by drowsiness and fatigue.
- Promoting public health: by giving families enough time to organize breakfast, suhoor meals, and sleep hours.
The Makkah Education Department concluded its directives by calling on school principals to strictly adhere to the announced schedules, stressing the importance of partnership between the school and the family to ensure student discipline and attendance, and emphasizing that education in Ramadan reinforces the values of patience and perseverance in young people.
