Details of the decision to suspend in-person classes in Riyadh
The Riyadh Education Department announced in an urgent and official statement the suspension of in-person classes for Thursday, Shawwal 28, 1447 AH. This proactive decision comes in response to reports and warnings from the National Center for Meteorology indicating unstable weather conditions and fluctuations that necessitate the utmost caution. Out of concern for the safety of its students, as well as its teaching and administrative staff, the Ministry of Education has decided to shift to remote learning.
Governorates included in the decision to suspend studies
The decision to suspend in-person classes included 13 governorates within the Riyadh region: Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Dawadmi, Afif, Zulfi, Majmaah, Ghat, Shaqra, Ar-Rayn, and Al-Quway'iyah. This wide geographical distribution reflects the meticulous field monitoring of rainfall and weather conditions across the region, ensuring the safety of all education personnel while traveling in harsh weather conditions.
Digital transformation and the Madrasati platform: a historical context and ongoing success
In a related context, the Ministry of Education clarified that the educational process will continue through the "My School" platform and other approved educational platforms. It is worth noting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia possesses a very strong digital infrastructure in the education sector, the efficiency of which was clearly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The "My School" platform proved its outstanding success as one of the best educational platforms globally, making distance learning a viable and effective strategic option during times of crisis, ensuring that students' education is not interrupted and that the curriculum continues without delay.
The importance of the decision and its local and regional impact
This decision reflects the vital role played by the National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom, which works around the clock to monitor climate changes and issue early warnings. These efforts are aligned with the directives of the wise leadership within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the quality of life and safety of citizens and residents.
Domestically, the decision to suspend in-person classes helps alleviate traffic congestion during rainfall or severe weather, significantly reducing traffic accidents and easing the burden on security, health, and emergency services. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's ability to seamlessly transition millions of students to online learning within a few hours reinforces its position as a leading nation in the Middle East in digital transformation and business continuity management within the education sector, a fact commended by numerous international education and technology organizations.
A message to parents and students
In conclusion, education authorities consistently urge parents and students to adhere to official directives and to regularly follow lessons on digital platforms. The suspension of in-person classes is not a cessation of education, but rather a transition to a safe and innovative learning environment that ensures everyone's well-being and meets the demands of the modern digital age.
