School holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2025–2026

Once you know when your kids are off school, you’ll be able to plan childcare, vacations, and days out. As well as a few vacation breaks, there are several public holidays in Saudi Arabia to keep in mind.

Here’s what you need to know:

An overview of school holidays in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia sets term dates for schools, which are usually published in winter for the following school year.

As Saudi state schools are only open to citizens and certain residents, it’s highly likely your child will study at an international school. Although these schools usually follow a similar schedule to local schools, some have longer school years broken up by more regular half-term breaks. Be sure to contact your school for more information.

Education

International schools in Saudi Arabia

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When are Saudi Arabia’s school holidays in 2025–2026?

All dates are subject to change – check your school’s academic calendar

During Ramadan, school hours in Saudi Arabia are usually shortened to accommodate the fasting schedule. Public and private schools often start later in the morning (around 09:00) and end earlier (around 13:00).

Other important dates in 2025–2026

The additional holiday dates for the 2025–2026 school year are:

Be sure to check with your child’s school to find out about extra days off for teacher training or service days.

When are Saudi Arabia’s school holidays in 2026–2027?

All dates are subject to change – check your school’s academic calendar

Other important dates in 2026–2027

The additional holiday dates for the 2026–2027 school year are:

When are the public holidays in Saudi Arabia?

Some important public holidays and celebrations usually fall on school holidays, such as New Year’s Day and Eid Al-Fitr. You can learn more about these holidays (and dates) by reading our article on public holidays in Saudi Arabia.

Lifestyle

Public holidays in Saudi Arabia

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Tips for expat parents in Saudi Arabia

Childcare during Saudi school holidays

If you are working during school holidays, you may need to make childcare arrangements. You have several options:

• Workplace childcare: Saudi labor law states that employers should offer babysitting services or a nursery if they employ more than 50 women. Check with your employer to find out if they provide childcare.
• Nannies, babysitters, and au pairs: There are many international nannies in Saudi Arabia who can care for your child from the comfort of your home.

Fun vacation camps in Saudi Arabia

There are also plenty of summer camps based in Saudi Arabia’s larger cities. For example, the British Council sometimes runs summer camps for children to improve their English. There are also sports camps available through Sports For All, and many camps advertise on social media, so check Instagram for ideas.