Classes in Al-Ula will be suspended tomorrow, Sunday, due to heavy rain
The administration of the Technical College and Secondary Industrial Institute in Al-Ula Governorate officially announced the suspension of in-person classes for tomorrow, Sunday, and the shift to distance learning. This urgent decision was based on reports and warnings from the National Center for Meteorology, which indicated expectations of moderate to heavy rainfall in the region, potentially posing a risk to safe travel.
The college administration explained in its statement that lectures and practical lessons will continue according to the usual schedule, but via the Blackboard online platform. It emphasized the importance of trainees attending virtual lectures to ensure the continuity of the educational process. This measure is in accordance with the authority granted to directors of training and educational institutions to make appropriate decisions based on current weather conditions.
Safety is a priority in the educational and training system
This decision comes within the framework of the general policy pursued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Education and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, which prioritizes the safety of students, trainees, and educational and administrative staff. In recent years, the relevant authorities have consistently exercised considerable flexibility in making decisions to suspend classes, both centrally and locally, based on reports from the Civil Defense and the Meteorology Department, to ensure that lives are not endangered, especially in areas prone to flash floods or water accumulation.
Digital readiness and a smooth transition to distance learning
This rapid and flexible shift from in-person to remote learning reflects the robust digital infrastructure in which the Kingdom has invested heavily over the past years. Educational platforms such as Blackboard and Madrasati have proven highly efficient in accommodating millions of students and trainees simultaneously, ensuring that the suspension of in-person classes does not mean the cessation of education, but rather its continuation through modern technological methods. This success is a result of the National Transformation Program and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which have focused on digitalization across all vital sectors.
The geographical nature of Al-Ula and precautionary measures
Weather warnings in Al-Ula Governorate are of particular importance due to its unique geographical and topographical features; it is surrounded by mountains and crisscrossed by numerous valleys and ravines. During periods of heavy rainfall, these areas are more susceptible to flash floods, necessitating heightened vigilance. Authorities consistently urge citizens and residents, especially students, to stay away from floodplains and wadi beds during such weather events and to adhere to Civil Defense instructions to ensure everyone's safety.
