King Abdulaziz University: Distance learning tomorrow due to weather
King Abdulaziz University announced distance learning for tomorrow, Tuesday, 18 Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH (December 9, 2025), at its main campus in Jeddah and its branch in Rabigh. This decision applies to all regular students and is a proactive step aimed at ensuring the safety of the university community.
This decision was made in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology , which indicated forecasts of unstable weather conditions and rainfall that could affect traffic and travel safety. The university confirmed via its official account that this measure is taken out of concern for everyone's safety and in line with general guidelines to exercise caution during periods of inclement weather.
Details of the decision and the work mechanism for employees
In a related context, the university clarified that the decision is not limited to students but extends to the administrative side with considerable flexibility. A flexible work for male and female employees to ensure the continuity of administrative work without exposing staff to any potential risks due to the rainy weather. However, the university made an exception for a specific category of students, confirming that scheduled evening exams for distance learning diploma students will continue at the main campus. These students are required to attend according to their approved schedules.
Digital infrastructure and readiness for digital transformation
This swift and flexible decision highlights the high level of preparedness of King Abdulaziz University's digital infrastructure. Like other major Saudi universities, the university has invested heavily in e-learning management systems (such as Blackboard and others) over the past few years. This advanced infrastructure has made the transition from in-person to remote learning a viable and seamless option that does not disrupt the educational process, ensuring that lectures continue uninterrupted despite unforeseen weather conditions.
General context: Safety first in the education system
This measure is part of a broader strategy adopted by the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia, which grants university administrators and regional education departments full authority to suspend in-person classes or switch to remote learning based on field data and weather reports. This approach reflects a qualitative shift in crisis and emergency management, where "human safety" has become the primary criterion for decision-making. Jeddah, due to its coastal location, is among the areas that experience seasonal rainfall, often necessitating the activation of emergency plans to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion that could hinder the arrival of civil defense teams or ambulance services when needed.
In conclusion, the university called on all students and staff to follow the university’s official channels for any further updates, and to adhere to the instructions of the relevant authorities regarding traffic safety during rainfall.
