Saudi Arabia Launches New 2026‑2027 School Calendar

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education announced the start of the 2026‑2027 academic year with a phased rollout. School principals will resume work on 11 August 2026, teachers on 16 August, and students across the country on 23 August. Four major directorates—Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Taif—will begin classes a week later on 30 August to accommodate local traffic, pilgrimage and tourism demands.

The schedule aligns with Vision 2030 goals to modernise education, improve learning standards and reduce student burnout through six extended holidays throughout the year. Regional directors have flexibility to adjust daily hours and respond to weather or local conditions, reflecting a decentralized governance model.

The new calendar is intended to ensure operational readiness of schools, support the Kingdom’s broader economic and social reforms, and provide a consistent, high‑quality learning environment for millions of male and female students.