Resumption of studies in Saudi Arabia and Hajj exam dates 2026

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Students across Saudi Arabia resumed their studies on Tuesday, marking the return to school for the remainder of the academic year after the Eid al-Adha holiday. This return comes amidst comprehensive organizational and educational preparations by the Ministry of Education to ensure a conducive school environment, schedule final exams, and manage remaining holidays in a way that prioritizes student welfare and facilitates a smooth and efficient educational process.

Flexibility of the academic calendar and consideration of operational arrangements for the Hajj season

The approved academic calendar indicates that final exams will begin in most regions of the Kingdom on Sunday, Dhul-Hijjah 28, corresponding to June 14, 2026. However, the Ministry of Education has demonstrated considerable flexibility, with the exception of the Makkah region and the governorates of Jeddah, Taif, and Madinah, where exams will begin on Sunday, Muharram 6, 1448 AH, corresponding to June 21, 2026. This exception is made to accommodate the extensive operational and logistical arrangements associated with the Hajj season and to facilitate the movement of pilgrims in the holy sites and surrounding areas without impacting students' academic performance.

The importance of exceptional decisions and their impact on local and international regulation

This step is part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to coordinate efforts among various government sectors during the Hajj season. Locally, advancing or postponing exam dates helps alleviate traffic congestion and facilitates transportation in Mecca, Medina, and the areas leading to them, enabling security and service agencies to perform their duties smoothly. Internationally and regionally, these measures reflect the Kingdom's exceptional ability to manage crowds and provide the utmost comfort and safety for millions of pilgrims arriving from all corners of the globe, highlighting the country's commitment to delivering an exceptional and safe Hajj season in every respect.

Holiday dates after the resumption of studies in Saudi Arabia and the plan for the new year

According to the approved schedule, the end-of-year school break in most regions of the Kingdom will begin on Thursday, Muharram 10, 1448 AH, corresponding to June 25, 2026. Meanwhile, the summer break in Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, and Madinah will begin on Thursday, Muharram 17, 1448 AH, corresponding to July 2, 2026, in accordance with the approved schedule for exceptional regions.

The calendar also revealed the return plan for the new academic year 1448 AH, with administrative and supervisory staff resuming their duties on Sunday, 28 Safar, corresponding to August 16, 2026. This will be followed by the return of teachers to their classrooms on Sunday, 3 Rabi' al-Awwal, corresponding to August 23. The actual start of classes for students in all regions will be on Sunday, 10 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH, corresponding to August 30, 2026. In the exceptional regions (Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, and Madinah), administrators will return on Sunday, 3 Rabi' al-Awwal (August 16), and teachers on Sunday, 10 Rabi' al-Awwal (August 23), with students beginning their classes there on Sunday, 17 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH, corresponding to August 30, 2026, based on the official schedule.