Saudi Arabia Announces 2025–2026 School Start Dates and New AI Curriculum: Key Details Every Parent Must Know
Saudi Arabia's 2025–2026 academic year will begin with staggered start dates. Most regions will start classes on August 24, while major cities like Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif will begin a week later on August 31. Alongside these schedule changes, the Ministry of Education has updated weekly class structures and introduced a nationwide artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum. These changes support student well-being and skill development aligned with Vision 2030.
Academic Year Start Dates & Staggered Return
In most regions, administrative staff and education supervisors will return to work on August 12, 2025. Teachers will follow on August 17, with students starting classes on August 24. For high-density education hubs such as Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, the timeline shifts by one week: staff report on August 17, teachers on August 24, and students on August 31. This staggered approach is intended to improve coordination, ensure facility readiness, and ease student transitions in busy school zones.
Weekly Class Structure by Grade
The Ministry has optimized the weekly timetable to balance academics and student development. Grades 1 through 6 will have 33 weekly periods, each approximately 45 minutes. Younger elementary students will cover eight subjects plus activity classes, while older elementary students study ten subjects.
Intermediate students in Grades 7 and 8 have 35 periods per week covering ten subjects. Grade 9 students also have 35 periods but include an additional non-academic development component.
Secondary school students following the General Track System will attend 32 periods weekly. Subjects will vary by semester and grade to allow specialization while maintaining core learning standards. This structure aims to maintain academic rigor while making room for sports, arts, and other development programs.
AI Curriculum Rollout: Building Future Skills
For the first time, Saudi Arabia’s public education system will teach AI across all grades. The curriculum, developed by the National Curriculum Center, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), introduces AI concepts through age-appropriate, practical lessons.
Students will engage in hands-on projects that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The curriculum connects AI to real-life applications and prepares students for careers in emerging technology sectors. This initiative builds on previous high school AI pilots and supports Vision 2030’s Human Capability Development Program by positioning the Kingdom as a leader in digital talent.
The 2025–2026 academic year represents a key step in modernizing Saudi Arabia’s education system. Adjusted start dates, a refined class schedule, and the introduction of AI education from primary through secondary levels aim to promote student well-being and equip young Saudis with skills relevant to a technology-driven economy.
FAQ
- When will the 2025–2026 school year start in Saudi Arabia?
Most regions start on August 24, 2025, while Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif begin on August 31, 2025. - Why do some cities have later start dates?
The staggered schedule helps manage logistics and prepare facilities in high-density areas. - What changes have been made to the weekly class schedule?
Weekly periods are 33 for elementary, 35 for intermediate, and 32 for secondary students, with subjects adjusted by grade level. - What’s new about the curriculum this year?
All grades will include age-appropriate AI lessons developed with SDAIA and other partners. - How does this change support Vision 2030?
Teaching AI and digital skills from early grades builds a future-ready workforce and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position in technology.
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