Image credit: Getty Images
The new school year in 11 regions of Saudi Arabia is scheduled to begin on August 24, according to the Ministry of Education. On Tuesday, August 12, the educational supervisors and administrative staff returned to schools across the country, excluding Makkah and Madinah, to begin early preparations for the academic year.
Read-Sharjah’s 2025-2026 school year: Changes that parents should know about
Teachers in these 11 regions are due to return on Sunday, August 17, giving them a full week to get classrooms and lessons ready. However, in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, both educational supervisors and administrative staff are set to report on August 17, while teachers will return a week later, on August 24. Schools in these four regions will officially begin classes on August 31, according to a report from the Saudi Gazette.
The staggered return schedule aims to ensure that faculty and staff have enough time to prepare, especially in areas with high student density like Jeddah and Makkah.
Ministry releases weekly class structure
The Ministry of Education has outlined a detailed schedule of weekly class periods for students across all grade levels in public schools. The framework, part of the updated curriculum guide, is designed to optimize learning while balancing academic rigor with student well-being.
For elementary students, the structure is as follows:
-
Grades 1 to 3: 33 weekly classes, covering 8 subjects, along with student activities.
-
Grades 4 to 6: 33 weekly classes, with 10 subjects, plus student activities.
At the intermediate level, each of the three grades will have 35 weekly class periods. Students in grades 7 and 8 will take 10 subjects, in addition to scheduled student activities. In grade 9, the number of subjects increases to 11, again with time set aside for non-academic development.
In secondary schools, which follow the general track system, the weekly class count will be 32 periods for all three grades. The number of subjects varies by grade and semester:
-
First grade (Semester 1): 8 subjects
-
First grade (Semester 2): 11 subjects
-
Second grade (Semester 1): 7 subjects
-
Second grade (Semester 2): 9 subjects
-
Third grade (Semester 1): 10 subjects
-
Third grade (Semester 2): 12 subjects
This structure underscores the Ministry’s continued focus on building a balanced and enriching academic environment.
AI curriculum to launch in 2025–2026 school year
In a landmark step toward digital transformation in education, the National Curriculum Center, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), has announced the launch of a new AI curriculum across all levels of public education. The rollout will begin with the 2025–2026 academic year, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
This initiative supports the goals of the Human Capability Development Program, a key part of Saudi Vision 2030, by building a generation equipped with vital digital and analytical skills. It also aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in AI and emerging technologies.
Hands-on AI learning for all grades
The new curriculum will feature dedicated AI units that are interactive, practical, and designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These AI modules will be introduced progressively across all education levels, giving students early exposure to the technologies shaping the future.
This move follows the recent success of the “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” course, launched for third-year high school students. Developed jointly by SDAIA, the National Curriculum Center, and the Ministry of Education, the course laid the groundwork for broader AI integration.
Officials say the expansion of AI education marks a major milestone in preparing Saudi youth not just to adapt to AI, but to actively shape its future.
