Millions of students across all educational levels in Saudi Arabia returned to their classrooms on Tuesday, marking the resumption of studies after the Eid holiday . This return comes at a crucial time for completing the final stages of the current academic year, with attention now focused on final preparations for the exams that represent the culmination of a full year of academic effort.
Resumption of studies after the Eid holiday: Exam dates and schedule
According to the academic calendar approved by the Ministry of Education, final exams are scheduled to begin in most regions of the Kingdom on Sunday, 28 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH (June 14, 2026). This unified schedule aims to ensure a smooth assessment process and standardize procedures across the Kingdom, making it easier for students and parents to plan for this important period.
Historically, the Saudi Ministry of Education has placed great importance on developing a flexible academic calendar that takes into account religious and national holidays. Advance planning of school start dates, holidays, and exams is a key part of the Ministry's strategy to ensure the stability of the education system. The calendar is announced well in advance of the start of the academic year to allow schools, teachers, and families ample time to prepare.
Special arrangements for Hajj areas: a balance between education and rituals
In a move reflecting careful planning and a balance between the demands of the educational process and the religious sensitivities of specific regions, the academic calendar has approved exceptional dates for final exams in Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and Taif. In these areas, which experience peak traffic and operational activity related to the Hajj season, the start of exams has been postponed to Sunday, Muharram 6, 1448 AH (June 21, 2026).
This decision aligns with national efforts to facilitate services for pilgrims, as many residents of these cities and their families participate in logistical and volunteer work to support them. Furthermore, infrastructure, including road and transportation networks, is heavily dedicated to ensuring the smooth movement of pilgrims between the holy sites. This exception guarantees that students will not be affected by overcrowding and provides them with a calm and conducive environment for focusing on their exams, underscoring the great importance the Kingdom places on the Hajj pilgrimage at all levels.
Summer vacation dates and the beginning of the new year
Based on the approved schedule, the end-of-year school break for most regions of the Kingdom begins at the end of the school day on Thursday, Muharram 10, 1448 AH (June 25, 2026). However, in regions with a special schedule (Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif), the summer break begins on Thursday, Muharram 17, 1448 AH (July 2, 2026).
The calendar also revealed the features of the return for the new academic year 1448 AH, where the administrative and supervisory staff will begin their work on Sunday, 28 Safar 1448 AH (August 16, 2026 AD), followed by the practicing teachers on Sunday, 3 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH (August 23, 2026 AD), with the actual start of study for male and female students in all regions being on Sunday, 10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH (August 30, 2026 AD).
