saudi Arabia’s public schools will revert to a two-semester academic calendar starting in the 2025-2026 school year, a shift approved by the Saudi Cabinet and impacting over six million students [[1]]. The decision marks a reversal from a three-semester system adopted as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 education reforms and aims to prioritize teacher development and a more balanced learning environment [[2]]. The new calendar, beginning in the 1447 AH year, includes an extended 60-day break for families and aligns with international standards set by the OECD and G20 [[3]].
Saudi families can anticipate an extended 60-day break from schooling next academic year, a move officials say reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to student well-being as part of its Vision 2030 reform plan. The significant time off comes as the Ministry of Education announced a return to a two-semester academic calendar, a decision reached after extensive consultation with educators, parents, and students.
The shift back to the two-semester system, beginning in the 1447 AH year (2025-2026), follows a national study that emphasized the importance of teacher training and curriculum development over simply increasing classroom hours. According to the Ministry, the new calendar will provide 183 actual school days, strategically distributed to foster a balanced learning environment.
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The academic year will begin for students on August 24, 2025 (1 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 AH) and conclude on June 25, 2026. Administrative staff and supervisors are scheduled to return to work on August 12, 2025 (18 Safar 1447 AH), followed by teachers on August 17, 2025 (23 Safar 1447 AH), allowing for preparations before the start of classes.
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Several national holidays are incorporated into the calendar, providing extended breaks for families. These include:
- National Day: September 23-25, 2025
- First Semester Break: November 21-29, 2025
- Mid-Year Break: January 9-17, 2026
- Founding Day: February 22, 2026
- Eid al-Fitr: March 6-28, 2026
- Eid al-Adha: June 6-15, 2026
With breaks ranging from 60 to 70 days throughout the year, officials anticipate families will have ample opportunity to plan both domestic and international travel and cultural experiences. The extended holiday schedule could also boost the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
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The Ministry confirmed the new system aligns with standards set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the G20 nations, while also offering flexibility for private, international, and university-level institutions to adjust their calendars within the broader framework.
A digital version of the calendar is available on the Ministry’s official website and is integrated with the “Nour” and “My School” platforms for easy online access, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing digital transformation in education.
