School Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2024-2025

Have you ever wondered how the school calendar and holidays are structured under the Education System in Saudi Arabia? As you or your children gear up for the academic year 2024-2025, understanding the school holidays can help you plan their time effectively, ensuring both educational and recreational needs are met. This article will take you through the specifics of the school holidays in Saudi Arabia for the academic year 2024-2025, helping you navigate through term breaks, public holidays, and other important dates.

Overview of School Holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2024-2025

In Saudi Arabia, the academic calendar is structured around a combination of Islamic holidays, national events, and seasonal breaks. The Ministry of Education is the primary body responsible for setting the school holidays, while public holidays are determined by the government, specifically by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Schools, both public and private, including international schools, adhere to these guidelines, ensuring uniformity across the country.

The school year is divided into three terms, with breaks in between to coincide with religious holidays and seasonal shifts, ensuring a balanced schedule for academic education. Each semester begins at specific times: the first semester starts in late August or early September, the second semester begins in early January, and the third semester starts in mid-April.

Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2024-2025

Public holidays in Saudi Arabia are deeply rooted in the Islamic calendar and include significant religious observances such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These holidays are declared by the government, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (وزارة الموارد البشرية والتنمية الاجتماعية) deciding the general public holidays and the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia(المحكمة العليا السعودية) declaring religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha based on sightings of the moon. On public holidays, including the Eid al-Fitr holidays, there is a nationwide closure of schools, government offices, and many businesses.

For the academic year 2024-2025, the key public holidays that will affect school schedules include:

• Saudi National Day: Celebrated annually on September 23, 2025, this day marks the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and schools across the country observe a one-day closure.
• Founding Day: Celebrated on February 22, 2025, this day commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727. Since the day falls on a Saturday, Saudi residents may enjoy a long weekend after that.
• Eid al-Fitr: Expected to fall around April 10-13, 2025 to mark the end of Ramadan. Schools are typically closed for a week or more during this holiday.
• Eid al-Adha: Expected to occur around June 5, 2025 to June 8, 2025. This holiday usually sees a similar week-long closure for schools to observe the Festival of Sacrifice at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. On the Arafat Day, which is the day before the Eid al-Adha (June 4, 2025), a public holiday usually takes place as many observe it as a day of fasting and prayer.

Overall, the public holidays in Saudi Arabia reflect its strong roots in the Islamic traditions. It’s important to note that the exact dates for Eid holidays may vary based on moon sightings, a practice rooted in Islamic tradition.

Public and Private School Term Breaks in Saudi Arabia 2024-2025

In addition to public holidays, the academic calendar is punctuated by term breaks that are crucial for rest and rejuvenation. The Ministry of Education sets these breaks, which both public and private schools, including international institutions following the International Baccalaureate (IB), follow despite the possibility of slight variations.

Public Schools

Public schools in Saudi Arabia generally observe the following term breaks:

• First Term Break: A short break in mid-November 2024.
• Winter Break: Approximately two weeks in late December 2024 to early January 2025.
• Spring Break: A week-long break in mid-March 2025.
• Summer vacation: Typically lasting from late June until late August or early September 2025

Parents should verify holiday schedules with their child's school, as national and public holidays may not always align with standard school breaks.

Private and International Schools

Private and international schools, particularly those following the IB or British curriculum, may have slightly different term dates. For example, an IB tutor in Saudi Arabia might notice that international schools in Riyadh and Jeddah align their breaks closely with global IB exam schedules. This is the common practice in some of the Best International Schools in Riyadh, so parents are advised to confirm with their child's schools to check the specific dates of term breaks and holidays. In general, however, these schools still observe the main public holidays and align their term breaks accordingly.

Additional School Holidays in Saudi Arabia

Beyond the standard public holidays and term breaks, schools in Saudi Arabia might observe additional closures for specific events, such as:

• Teacher Training Days: These days are set aside for teacher development and vary by school.
• Local Celebrations and Events: Schools may close for local events or unforeseen public holidays declared by the government.

School term breaks and holidays are a period where parents in Saudi Arabia would seek out the Best Tutoring Companies in Saudi Arabia. Given the intense competition at school, children in Saudi Arabia could benefit from the personalised services and dedicated attention from one-on-one tutoring services.

List of School Holiday Activities Ideas

School holidays provide an excellent opportunity for families to explore educational and recreational activities together. Here are some ideas to keep students engaged during their breaks:

• Visit Historical Sites: Saudi Arabia is rich in history, with sites like Diriyah and Madain Saleh offering a glimpse into the country's past.
• Cultural Experiences: Attend local festivals or visit museums like the National Museum in Riyadh.
• Outdoor Adventures: Plan trips to natural wonders like the Asir Mountains or the Red Sea coast for a mix of education and adventure.
• Academic Enrichment: For students preparing for exams under international curricula, finding an A-Level tutor in Saudi Arabia or a SAT tutor in Saudi Arabia during the break can be beneficial.
• Volunteer Work: Engage in community service projects that help build a sense of responsibility and social awareness.

Conclusion

Understanding the school holidays in Saudi Arabia for the academic year 2024-2025 is essential for effective planning, whether you are a parent, student, or educator. By aligning with the academic calendar and taking advantage of the breaks, you can make the most of the year ahead. From national holidays to term breaks, the year is punctuated with opportunities for both rest and enrichment, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling academic experience.