Saudi Arabia: 23-Day School Holiday Announced for Eid al-Fitr & Future Dates 2026-2028

Saudi Schools to Close for 23-Day Eid al-Fitr Break

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Ministry of Education has officially announced a 23-day suspension of in-person classes for all students and teachers across the Kingdom. The extended break coincides with the Eid al-Fitr holiday and aligns with the approved academic calendar for the year 1447 AH. This decision, announced today, impacts millions of students and educators nationwide.

According to a statement released by the Ministry, the official start of the Eid al-Fitr holiday will be at the end of the school day on Thursday, 16 Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to March 5, 2026. Classes will resume on Sunday, 10 Shawwal 1447 AH, or March 29, 2026. This means the holiday begins just nine days after the initial announcement, requiring families and schools to quickly adjust schedules.

What’s Included in the Extended Break?

The Ministry of Education detailed the remaining holidays for the current academic year 1447 AH, providing clarity for long-term planning. These include:

Eid al-Fitr Holiday: Commencing at the end of day 17 Ramadan 1447 AH and lasting until 9 Shawwal 1447 AH.
Eid al-Adha Holiday: Starting on 5 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH and concluding on 15 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.
End-of-Year Holiday: Beginning on 10 Muharram 1448 AH.

This comprehensive schedule aims to provide students and teachers with ample opportunities for rest and rejuvenation throughout the academic year. You can find more information about the academic calendar directly from the Ministry of Education’s website: https://moe.gov.sa/ar/education/generaleducation/Pages/academicCalendar.aspx

Ramadan Assessments and Attendance

The Ministry also addressed concerns regarding academic progress during the month of Ramadan. First-period exams for all educational levels began on Monday, February 23, 2025 and will continue until the start of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. A firm policy has been established: students who miss exams without a valid medical excuse will receive a score of zero. This measure underscores the importance of consistent academic engagement even during the holy month.

Looking Ahead: Academic Years 1448-1451 AH

In a move to provide long-term visibility, the Ministry of Education has also published the start and end dates for the next three academic years:

Academic Year 1448/1449 AH: Begins 10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH, ends 19 Muharram 1449 AH.
Academic Year 1449/1450 AH: Begins 20 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1449 AH, ends 29 Muharram 1450 AH.
Academic Year 1450/1451 AH: Begins 29 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1450 AH, ends 16 Safar 1451 AH.

This proactive approach to calendar dissemination allows families and educators to plan well in advance, minimizing disruption and maximizing learning opportunities. As reported by Alweeam, these extended breaks are considered some of the longest periods of rest during the academic year. https://www.alweeam.com.sa/1256311/2026/تفاصيل-إجازة-عيد-الفطر-1447-للمدارس-في-الس/

Confirmed vs. Unclear Details

Confirmed: The 23-day school closure for Eid al-Fitr is official, beginning March 5, 2026, and ending March 29, 2026. The dates for subsequent holidays and academic years have also been officially released. The policy regarding exam absences without medical excuses is also confirmed.

Unclear: Details regarding any potential online learning activities during the holiday period were not provided. It remains unclear whether any special accommodations will be made for students with pre-scheduled travel plans during the exam period. The report did not specify any changes to the curriculum or teaching methods to compensate for the extended break.

Background: The Saudi Academic Calendar

The Saudi academic calendar is structured around the Islamic Hijri calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. The academic year is typically divided into three semesters, with holidays aligned with Islamic religious observances and national celebrations. The Ministry of Education regularly updates and publishes the academic calendar to ensure transparency and facilitate planning for students, parents, and educators. Shof News provides a detailed overview of the new academic calendar for 1447, outlining official holidays and return dates. https://shofnews.com/82100/التقويم-الدراسي-الجديد-1447-في-السعودية/

The decision to announce these dates well in advance reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring a smooth educational experience for all students in the Kingdom. The extended Eid al-Fitr break provides a valuable opportunity for families to celebrate this vital religious holiday and spend quality time together.