Classes will be suspended in Medina and its governorates tomorrow, Sunday, due to the weather
The General Directorate of Education in the Madinah region officially announced the suspension of in-person classes for tomorrow, Sunday, 16 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 AH, in a number of its affiliated governorates, based on reports received from the National Center for Meteorology, and out of concern for the safety of male and female students and the educational and administrative staff.
The administration clarified via its official account on the social media platform “X” that the decision includes schools in the governorates of Yanbu, Badr, Al-Ais, Al-Ula, and Wadi Al-Fara . It emphasized that the educational process will not be interrupted but will continue remotely through the “My School” platform for all students, the “My Kindergarten” platform for children, and the “My School” platform for teachers.
Safety priority and activation of powers
This decision activates the powers granted to education directors in regions and governorates by the Ministry of Education, enabling them to suspend in-person classes in cases of unstable weather or emergencies that may pose a risk to the safety of school personnel. The Ministry always prioritizes human safety above all else, and maintains direct and continuous coordination with the National Center for Meteorology and Civil Defense to assess weather conditions and make appropriate decisions in a timely manner.
My School Platform: Sustaining Education in All Circumstances
The rapid and seamless transition to distance learning via the “My School” platform reflects the high level of readiness of the digital infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has become a leading global model in e-learning, with these platforms ensuring the continuity of the educational journey without interruption, regardless of weather conditions or emergencies. This flexibility is one of the most important outcomes of the digital transformation the Kingdom has witnessed as part of Vision 2030, making the option of “suspending in-person classes” not a cessation of education, but rather a change in its format to ensure safety.
Nature of the affected areas and weather warnings
The governorates covered by the decision (Yanbu, Badr, Al-Ais, Al-Ula, and Wadi Al-Fara) are characterized by diverse topography, encompassing coastal areas, mountains, and valleys. This makes them more susceptible to the effects of weather fluctuations, particularly heavy rainfall that can lead to flash floods in valleys and streams. The National Center for Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these conditions and issuing early warnings (red or orange alerts) that help relevant authorities take the necessary preventative measures.
In conclusion, the relevant authorities called on parents and students to adhere to the instructions of the Civil Defense, to stay away from valleys and flood channels, and to follow official channels to get updates on the rain situation and the resumption of in-person classes.
