School hours in Ramadan 1447 in Mecca
The General Directorate of Education in Makkah Region officially announced the approved school day schedule for all schools in the region during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. This decision comes as part of organizational plans aimed at aligning the educational process with the spirituality of the holy month and ensuring a suitable educational environment that takes into account the fasting conditions of students and all school staff.
Attendance and dismissal times in Makkah schools during Ramadan 1447
morning schools (boys and girls) will begin 9:00 AM . As for continuing education (evening classes), the start time has been set for 9:30 PM . These times are intended to give students ample time to rest after performing the Fajr prayer, which will positively impact their academic performance and concentration during classes.
Regarding the administrative and educational staff, the administration clarified that the working hours for all employees during the holy month will be five hours per day, starting from ten o'clock in the morning until three o'clock in the evening, in order to ensure the continued efficient progress of work and to achieve the required administrative discipline.
Flexible timing system: an evolving organizational context
This measure is an extension of the Saudi Ministry of Education's policy in recent years, which has granted education departments in regions and governorates the authority to determine appropriate school hours (flexible timing). This policy is based on giving education directors the necessary flexibility to make decisions that suit the geographical and climatic conditions of each region, as well as traffic density. This represents a qualitative shift in the management of the education system, aiming for decentralization and prioritizing the overall interest of the educational field.
The unique characteristics of Mecca and the impact of timing on traffic flow
The 9:00 AM start time in Mecca holds special significance compared to other regions due to the area's unique geographical and religious character during Ramadan. Mecca experiences a massive influx of pilgrims and visitors, resulting in heavy traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Therefore, delaying the start of the school day directly contributes to alleviating morning traffic jams and facilitates the movement of school buses and parents, avoiding the rush hour when employees in other sectors are leaving work or pilgrims are returning home.
Balancing academic achievement and spirituality
This timetable aims to achieve a delicate balance between educational requirements and religious and social obligations during Ramadan. From a health and educational perspective, delaying the start of the school day helps students get ample sleep, thus reducing the fatigue and lethargy that can accompany the initial hours of fasting. The Makkah Education Department has urged school principals to adhere to these schedules and strengthen partnerships with families to ensure student discipline and attendance, emphasizing that the school is a nurturing environment that combines education and upbringing with the observance of the rituals of this holy month.
