In-person classes will be suspended tomorrow in Riyadh and the Eastern Province due to rain

For the second day in a row, and in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology regarding the continuation of the rainy conditions and weather fluctuations, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the suspension of in-person classes for tomorrow, Tuesday, 25 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 AH (December 16, 2025), in a number of regions and governorates, and the conversion of the educational process to the “distance learning” system via official platforms.

Details of the suspension of studies in the Eastern Province and Riyadh

The decision to suspend in-person classes included all schools in the Eastern Province, including the city of Dammam and the governorates of Khobar, Qatif, Jubail, and Al-Bayda, in addition to the governorates of Al-Ahsa and Buqayq. The decision also extended to the Riyadh region, where it was decided to switch to the “My School” platform for male and female students, and the “My Kindergarten” platform for kindergarten students, in order to ensure everyone’s safety given the forecast of heavy rainfall and flash floods in some valleys and ravines.

Universities and technical training institutions join the decision

In a related development, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation in the Eastern Province announced the suspension of in-person training at all its facilities in Dammam, Khobar, and Qatif, while continuing remote training for both morning and evening sessions. Universities have taken similar steps, with Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, and the University College in Al-Nairiyah (affiliated with Hafr Al-Batin University) all approving the conversion of theoretical lectures to the Blackboard system and other approved electronic platforms, with exceptions made for administrative and technical staff in certain departments based on the nature of their work.

Digital infrastructure and transformation in Saudi education

This seamless transition to e-learning is a direct result of the massive investment Saudi Arabia has made in digital infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 goals. The “My School” platform and university platforms have proven highly effective in ensuring the continuity of the educational process without interruption during crises or severe weather conditions. This flexibility in switching between in-person and remote learning serves as a regional model, as the Ministry ensures that students' academic achievement is not affected by climate changes.

Safety priority and the role of meteorology

Government agencies in the Kingdom prioritize the safety of lives and property. The National Center for Meteorology operates around the clock to issue early weather alerts, enabling decision-makers in the Ministry of Education and other entities to take appropriate proactive measures. These decisions are typically coordinated with Civil Defense warnings urging citizens and residents to exercise caution, avoid areas prone to flash floods and waterlogged areas, and adhere to instructions disseminated through official media outlets to ensure everyone's safety.