Resumption of studies in Saudi Arabia and final exam dates 2026
Students across Saudi Arabia resumed their studies on Tuesday to complete the third and final term of the current academic year, following the Eid al-Adha holiday. The resumption of classes amidst comprehensive organizational and educational preparations led by the Ministry of Education to ensure a suitable school environment for students and the efficient completion of the curriculum in preparation for the final exams of the current academic year.
Plan for resuming studies in Saudi Arabia and the schedule for final exams
According to the approved academic calendar, final written exams will begin in most regions and governorates of the Kingdom on Sunday, Dhul Hijjah 28, corresponding to June 14, 2026. Schools are currently intensifying their educational efforts to address any learning gaps and provide necessary review sessions for students to ensure they achieve the best possible academic results. These steps are part of the Ministry's ongoing commitment to raising the quality of education and ensuring student discipline until the last day of the academic year.
Exceptional timings for Hajj areas and consideration of operational arrangements
In recognition of the unique geographical and service-related needs of certain areas during the Hajj season, the academic calendar includes a special exception for the Makkah region and the governorates of Jeddah, Taif, and Madinah. Examinations in these areas will begin on Sunday, Muharram 6, 1448 AH, corresponding to June 21, 2026.
This organizational measure aims to prevent any conflict between the movement of students and teachers and the massive operational and service arrangements associated with the Hajj season and the influx of pilgrims. These exceptional timings will help alleviate traffic and logistical pressure in the holy sites and surrounding areas, enabling government agencies to provide services to pilgrims with the highest levels of efficiency and smoothness, while simultaneously ensuring that students can take their exams in a calm and stable environment without any obstacles.
Summer vacation dates and the plan for returning to the new academic 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. However, in the exceptional regions (Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, and Madinah), the summer break will begin on Thursday, Muharram 17, 1448 AH, corresponding to July 2, 2026.
Regarding preparations for the new academic year 1448 AH, the Ministry of Education has set a clear timetable for the return of educational and administrative staff to ensure a strong and fully equipped start:
- The administrative and supervisory bodies will resume their work on Sunday, 28 Safar 1448 AH, corresponding to 16 August 2026 AD.
- Practicing teachers: They will return to their schools on Sunday, 3 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH, corresponding to 23 August 2026 AD.
- Students: Their actual studies will begin in all regions of the Kingdom on Sunday, 10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH, corresponding to August 30, 2026 AD.
While administrative staff in Makkah, Jeddah, Taif and Madinah will return on Sunday, Rabi’ al-Awwal 3 (August 16), and teachers on Rabi’ al-Awwal 10 (August 23), students in these exceptional areas will begin their studies on Sunday, Rabi’ al-Awwal 17, 1448 AH, corresponding to August 30, 2026 AD, based on the official approved dates for preparing schools and welcoming the new year with full readiness.
