The General Directorate of Education in the Hail region issued an official decision to delay the start of the school day in all schools across the region, in response to the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Hail region. This decision was made out of concern for the safety of students and school staff, and in light of the changing weather conditions and low temperatures currently affecting the region.
Details of the decision to delay school start time
The Hail Education Department announced that the school day will begin at 9:00 AM, starting Sunday, July 15, 1447 AH (corresponding to July 15, 2026), and will continue at this time until Thursday, July 19, 1447 AH (corresponding to July 19, 2026). The decision also included setting the start time for exams during this period at 10:00 AM, giving students ample time to arrive at their schools in warmer weather.
The nature of Hail's climate and its impact on the decision
The Hail region, located in northern Saudi Arabia, is characterized by its topography, which includes the Aja and Salma mountains, making it susceptible to harsh cold waves during winter. The region typically experiences a significant drop in temperatures, especially in the early morning hours, sometimes reaching freezing. These geographical and climatic factors make decisions to delay school start times or suspend classes a pressing necessity, not merely a routine measure, to protect children and young people from colds and seasonal illnesses associated with exposure to extremely cold air currents.
Administrative flexibility and leadership commitment
This directive from His Royal Highness the Prince of the region, and the swift implementation by the Education Department, reflect the high level of flexibility demonstrated by educational institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in dealing with emergency situations. The Ministry of Education has granted broad authority to regional education directors to assess the situation on the ground and make decisions that serve the best interests of students, whether by switching to distance learning via the "My School" platform in extreme cases, or by delaying the start of the school day, as was done in this instance, to ensure the continuation of in-person learning while taking health considerations into account.
Positive effects of the decision
This decision has multiple positive dimensions that extend beyond the educational aspect. It contributes to improving students' overall health by preventing them from going out in the early morning hours during the peak of the cold weather, and it also provides peace of mind to parents concerned about their children's well-being. Furthermore, the delayed start of the school day improves traffic safety, as visibility is clearer and the morning fog that can accompany cold spells is reduced, thus ensuring safe arrival for everyone at educational institutions.
