School holidays 1447: Dates of Foundation Day and Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
The Saudi Arabian educational community, including students, teachers, and parents, eagerly awaits the upcoming milestones in the 1447 AH academic calendar. Official schedules reveal three major holidays, providing vital periods of rest during the remainder of the academic year. These holidays are carefully timed to balance academic achievement with psychological well-being, while also reinforcing national and religious values.
Founding Day Holiday: A Taste of History in the Month of Fasting
The first of these anticipated events is the "Founding Day" holiday, which this year coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, beginning on the fifth of Ramadan 1447 AH. This holiday holds special significance beyond being a school break; it is a cherished national commemoration that recalls the roots of the first Saudi state, founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1139 AH (1727 CE), with its capital in Diriyah.
Celebrating the Kingdom's founding day is an opportunity to strengthen national identity among the younger generation and introduce them to the Kingdom's rich historical and cultural heritage spanning more than three centuries. Its coincidence with the beginning of Ramadan lends it a distinctive spiritual and social character, allowing Saudi families to celebrate this ancient legacy within the Ramadan atmosphere.
Eid al-Fitr holiday: An extended spiritual break
The second stop on the holiday calendar is the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which the academic calendar has set to begin at the end of the school day on the 17th of Ramadan 1447 AH. This holiday continues until the 9th of Shawwal, giving students and teaching staff ample time to dedicate themselves to worship during the last ten days of Ramadan and to celebrate the joy of Eid with family and relatives.
This holiday is the longest during the semester, helping students to renew their mental and physical energy before returning to complete the coursework for the final semester, in a step that reflects the Ministry’s keenness to take into account the social and religious aspects of Saudi society.
Eid al-Adha holiday: End of the academic year
The series of official holidays for this year concludes with the Eid al-Adha holiday, which begins on the 5th of Dhu al-Hijjah and extends until the 15th. This holiday marks the final break before the end of the academic year and coincides with the Hajj season, thus giving it great religious significance both locally and within the wider Muslim world.
The educational and economic impact of school holidays
The importance of these scheduled holidays extends beyond physical rest to include educational and economic dimensions. Educationally, studies have shown that regular breaks contribute to reducing students' stress levels and improving their academic performance upon returning to school. Economically, these holidays stimulate domestic tourism and leisure activities, as families use this time to travel between different regions of the Kingdom, thus boosting local economic activity.
