With the end of the Eid al-Adha holiday, millions of families in Saudi Arabia are turning their attention to schools, where students will return to their classrooms tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 (corresponding to 16 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH). This return marks the final and crucial stage of the third term of the current academic year, as the countdown begins for final exams that determine the outcomes of an entire academic year and culminate the efforts of students throughout the past months.
The three-semester system: an educational marathon that reaches the finish line
This resumption of studies comes within the framework of the three-semester system adopted by the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom since the academic year 1443 AH. This system aims to increase the number of actual school days and improve learning outcomes by distributing the curriculum across three semesters, interspersed with short breaks that help refresh students. As the third semester draws to a close, students and teachers are racing against the clock to complete the prescribed curriculum and conduct final reviews, thus increasing the pace of preparedness in the school environment. This period is particularly important as it represents the last opportunity for students to improve their academic performance before the final results are released.
Intensive preparations are underway as students return to school
Education departments and schools across the Kingdom are preparing for this phase by developing comprehensive plans to create a conducive environment for students. These preparations include intensifying enrichment and review sessions, and providing psychological and academic support to help students cope with exam stress. Parents also play a pivotal role during this period by providing a calm and stimulating home environment, monitoring their children's progress, and encouraging them to balance their time between studying and rest to ensure the best possible results.
Flexible academic calendar and consideration of the Hajj season
According to the approved academic calendar, final exams for the third semester are scheduled to begin in most regions of the Kingdom on Sunday, Dhul Hijjah 28, 1447 AH (June 14, 2026). However, in consideration of operational and service arrangements related to the Hajj season, the dates have been adjusted in several key areas. Final exams in the Makkah region and the governorates of Jeddah, Taif, and Madinah will now commence on Sunday, Muharram 6, 1448 AH (June 21, 2026). This variation in dates reflects the flexibility of the education system and its ability to adapt to major national and religious events.
Accordingly, the end-of-year school break will begin in most regions on Thursday, 10 Muharram 1448 AH (June 25, 2026), while in the regions of Makkah, Jeddah, Taif and Madinah it will begin on Thursday, 17 Muharram 1448 AH (July 2, 2026).
A look at the new academic year 1448 AH
The new academic year 1448 AH will see the return of administrative and supervisory staff to schools across the Kingdom on Sunday, 28 Safar 1448 AH (August 16, 2026), followed by the return of teachers on Sunday, 3 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH (August 23, 2026). Classes for students in all regions of the Kingdom will begin on Sunday, 10 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH (August 30, 2026).
