With the start of the second semester in Saudi Arabian schools, students, parents, and educators are once again keen to review the academic calendar for the remainder of the 1447 AH academic year. The approved calendar reveals four major holidays remaining, carefully scheduled to ensure a balance between academic achievement and rest, within the framework of the two-semester system adopted for this year.
Founding Day: Evoking Historical Depth
The first break of the second semester begins with the Founding Day , which falls on the 5th of Ramadan, 1447 AH. This holiday holds special significance beyond being an official holiday; it is a cherished national occasion during which the Kingdom commemorates its deep-rooted history. This day marks the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE, and it represents an opportunity for younger generations to strengthen their national identity and learn about the struggles of their ancestors and the rich history of Diriyah, thus connecting the past with the present in the minds of Saudi students.
Eid al-Fitr holiday: The longest stop
Following this, the educational field eagerly anticipates the longest break of the semester: the Eid al-Fitr holiday . This holiday begins on the 17th of Ramadan and continues until the 9th of Shawwal, 1447 AH. This break comes at a crucial time, allowing students and teachers to dedicate themselves to worship during the last ten days of the holy month and to celebrate Eid with family and friends, thus contributing to a rejuvenation of both mental and physical energy after a period of intensive study.
Eid al-Adha and the end of the year
The academic calendar continues to meet the needs of the educational community with the Eid al-Adha holiday , scheduled from the 5th to the 15th of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, coinciding with the Hajj season and its great rituals. Finally, the academic year concludes with the end-of-year break, which begins on the 10th of Muharram 1448 AH, marking the end of a nine-month academic year of hard work and dedication.
The importance of distributing vacations in the educational process
These breaks are not merely for rest; their carefully planned distribution is part of the Ministry of Education's modern strategies to enhance the efficiency of the educational system. Educational studies indicate that intermittent breaks effectively reduce stress levels (burnouts) among students and teachers, and help restore focus, which positively impacts academic achievement and the quality of educational outcomes. This aligns with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the programs under the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
