More than 6 million students across Saudi Arabia are returning to classrooms as the 2026–27 academic year gets underway, with schools across the Kingdom completing extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and organized start to the new school year.
More than 1.6 million students in the Riyadh region alone are expected to return to school, as education authorities have mobilized human, technical and maintenance resources to prepare schools for the arrival of students.
Extensive Preparations Across the Kingdom
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Riyadh General Administration of Education has completed preparations across schools in the region, focusing on ensuring that facilities, technical systems and operational resources are ready for the new academic year.
School schedules will also vary according to the season. During the summer period, the morning assembly begins at 6:15 a.m., followed by the first class at 6:30 a.m. During winter, the morning assembly starts at 6:45 a.m., with classes beginning at 7 a.m. During Ramadan, classes are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
These arrangements are part of broader efforts to ensure that students begin the academic year in an organized and supportive educational environment.
National Back-to-School Campaign
Alongside preparations at schools, the Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide back-to-school communication campaign designed to prepare students, families and education personnel for the new academic year.
The campaign highlights the importance of readiness, commitment and active participation from the first day of school. It also emphasizes the role of teachers in creating a positive learning environment and recognizes families as key partners in supporting students and maintaining effective communication with schools.
The campaign is being delivered through traditional media, digital platforms, social media channels and partner organizations, allowing the message to reach communities across the Kingdom.
The ministry is also highlighting schools’ preparations, including improvements to digital systems and educational platforms, as well as ongoing development of curricula and educational programs.
Commerce Ministry Conducts 2,259 Inspection Visits
Preparations for the new academic year have also extended to the retail sector.
The Ministry of Commerce conducted 2,259 inspection visits to bookstores, stationery shops and other school-supply outlets ahead of the return to school.
According to SPA, the inspections focused on ensuring the availability of school supplies and suitable alternatives, monitoring price stability, and checking compliance with regulations governing price displays and commercial discounts.
The measures are intended to help ensure that families can access essential school supplies while maintaining compliance with consumer protection and commercial regulations.
More Than 6 Million Students Enrolled Last Year
At the beginning of the previous academic year, more than 6 million students were enrolled across approximately 32,000 schools throughout Saudi Arabia, supported by around half a million teachers.
The figures underline the scale of the Kingdom’s education system and the extensive logistical and operational preparations required every year to welcome students back to school.
From school facilities and teaching staff to digital platforms and educational programs, the start of a new academic year represents a major nationwide undertaking.
Education at the Heart of Saudi Vision 2030
Education remains a central pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, with the Kingdom seeking to improve educational quality, expand modern teaching methods and equip students with the skills needed to meet changing economic and social demands.
The continued development of digital learning platforms, curricula and educational programs reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to build a more adaptable and future-focused education system.
As millions of students return to classrooms across the Kingdom, the new academic year begins with a strong focus on readiness, collaboration between schools and families, and continued investment in education.
The efforts are aimed not only at ensuring a smooth start to the academic year, but also at preparing a new generation with the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s future.
