The General Directorate of Education in Tabuk officially announced a delay in the start of the school day for all schools in the region and its affiliated governorates for a full week, beginning next Sunday. This decision comes in response to the cold waves affecting the region and out of concern for the health of students and school staff from the potential health effects of the low temperatures in the early morning hours.
Directives from the region's emirate and details of the decision
The Education Department clarified that this decision was made based on direct instructions from His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, who is closely monitoring the well-being and safety of students. The decision stipulates that the first class will begin at 9:00 AM , while exams will commence at 10:00 AM . This schedule will be in effect from Sunday, July 15, 1447 AH (corresponding to July 15, 2026) until Thursday, July 19, 1447 AH (corresponding to July 19, 2026).
The climatic and geographical context of the Tabuk region
The Tabuk region, located in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, has a climate that differs somewhat from the rest of the Kingdom, as it is directly affected by cold air masses coming from the north. The region is known for its extreme cold during the winter, with temperatures dropping to very low levels in the early morning hours, sometimes reaching freezing in some governorates and towns. This makes early dismissal from school a health challenge for students, especially younger ones.
Flexibility in the education system and student safety
This measure reflects the flexibility of the Kingdom's education departments, as the Ministry of Education grants broad authority to regional education directors to assess the situation and make appropriate decisions based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology. The safety of students is a top priority, taking precedence over all other considerations. The delayed start of the school day aims to spare students the peak of the morning cold, reduce the chances of contracting seasonal illnesses such as colds and influenza, which are more prevalent in such weather, and ensure a comfortable learning environment that helps students concentrate and achieve academically, free from the heat stress caused by extreme cold.
