The Saudi Ministry of Education has announced the academic calendar for the year 1448-1449 AH (2026-2027 CE), marking the new academic year that begins in two months. In this article, we provide you with a comprehensive and updated guide that includes all start dates, official holidays, and summer breaks needed by students, parents, teachers, and planners for the upcoming academic year.
📅 Academic Calendar 1448-1449 AH — Overview
The Ministry of Education operates under a two-semester system, with a total of 183 school days in the 1448-1449 AH academic year. The summer break extends to 8 full weeks. The calendar covers all stages of general education: primary, middle, and secondary, in addition to kindergartens and private schools.
📆 Academic Calendar 1448-1449 AH Dates (Two Semesters)
Below is a table of all official dates for the new academic year 1448-1449 AH / 2026-2027 CE as announced by the Ministry of Education:
🔰 Return of Teaching and Administrative Staff
The gradual return for the new academic year follows this sequence:
- Administrative staff and supervisors return: Tuesday, 28 Safar 1448 AH — 11 August 2026 CE
- Teachers return: Sunday, 4 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH — 16 August 2026 CE
- Students begin classes: Sunday, 10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH — 23 August 2026 CE
⚠️ Important note: In the regions of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and Taif, classes begin on 30 August 2026 CE due to weather conditions and high temperatures in these areas during August.
📊 Full Academic Calendar — Comprehensive Table
The following table includes all Hijri and Gregorian dates for the 1448-1449 AH academic year:
| Occasion | Hijri Date | Gregorian Date |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative staff return | 28 Safar 1448 | 11 August 2026 |
| Teachers return | 4 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 | 16 August 2026 |
| Start of academic year | 10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 | 23 August 2026 |
| National Day 96 holiday | 12-15 Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 | 23-26 September 2026 |
| Start of autumn break | 10-18 Jumada al-Thani 1448 | 20-28 November 2026 |
| Start of second semester | 29 Rajab 1448 | 7 January 2027 |
| Mid-year break | 30 Rajab – 8 Sha’ban 1448 | 8-16 January 2027 |
| Founding Day 2027 holiday | 12-15 Ramadan 1448 | 19-22 February 2027 |
| Eid al-Fitr 1448 holiday | 19 Ramadan – 5 Shawwal 1448 | 26 February – 13 March 2027 |
| عيد الأضحى 1448 | 1-16 ذو الحجة 1448 | 7-22 مايو 2027 |
| بداية الإجازة الصيفية | 19 محرم 1449 | 24 يونيو 2027 |
📌 School Holiday Details 1448-1449 AH
We provide you with a detailed explanation of each holiday during the new academic year:
🇸🇦 96th Saudi National Day — 23-26 September 2026
The 96th Saudi National Day holiday starts on Wednesday, September 23, and lasts until Saturday, September 26, 2026 (12-15 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448). Citizens and residents celebrate this day to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, and the holiday includes 4 days for students and faculty members to enjoy official events and celebrations in all regions of the Kingdom.
🍂 Autumn Holiday — 20-28 November 2026 (9 days)
The Autumn holiday is a 9-day holiday from Friday, November 20, to Saturday, November 28, 2026 (10-18 Jumada al-Akhira 1448). This holiday marks the end of the first semester, and is an excellent opportunity for students to rest and prepare for the start of the second semester in the best possible way. Families can take advantage of this holiday to travel or engage in family activities with the mild weather in November.
📚 Start of Second Semester — 7 January 2027
Students return to school for the start of the second semester on Thursday, January 7, 2027 (29 Rajab 1448). After a 9-day autumn holiday, students return with renewed energy to complete the academic year.
❄️ Mid-Year Holiday — 8-16 January 2027 (9 days)
Just one day after the start of the second semester, the mid-year holiday begins from Friday, January 8, to Saturday, January 16, 2027 (30 Rajab – 8 Sha’ban 1448). This 9-day holiday is a golden opportunity for students to review the first semester’s materials and prepare for mid-semester exams. Many students take advantage of this holiday to attend reinforcement courses or engage in recreational activities.
🇸🇦 Saudi Founding Day Holiday — 19-22 February 2027
The Saudi Founding Day holiday starts on Friday, February 19, and ends on Monday, February 22, 2027 (12-15 Ramadan 1448). This 4-day holiday celebrates the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 AD, and includes various national events in all Saudi cities.
🌙 Eid al-Fitr Holiday — 26 February – 13 March 2027 (16 days)
The Eid al-Fitr holiday starts from Friday, February 26 (19 Ramadan 1448) and lasts until Saturday, March 13, 2027 (5 Shawwal 1448), with a total duration of 16 days. It is expected that Eid al-Fitr in the year 1448 AH will be around Sunday, February 28, or Monday, March 1, 2027 (according to the sighting of the Shawwal crescent). During this holiday, students can enjoy the Eid atmosphere with family and relatives, perform the Eid prayer, and visit family and friends.
🕋 Eid Al-Adha Holiday — May 7-22, 2027 (16 days)
Eid Al-Adha holiday begins on Friday, May 7, and ends on Saturday, May 22, 2027 (Dhu al-Hijjah 1-16, 1448), with a total duration of 16 days. Eid Al-Adha is expected to be around Tuesday, May 11, 2027 (subject to the sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent). This holiday allows students the opportunity to participate in the Eid Al-Adha atmosphere, perform Hajj rituals for those who can, sacrifice animals, and spend quality time with family.
🏖️ Summer Vacation — June 24, 2027 (8 weeks)
After the end of the academic year on June 24, 2027 (Muharram 19, 1449), the summer vacation begins, lasting for a full 8 weeks until late August 2027. The summer vacation is the longest break of the year, allowing students to enjoy holidays, travel, pursue hobbies, and participate in summer programs and various activities across the Kingdom.
🏫 Who is included in the 1448-1449 AH academic calendar?
The academic calendar approved by the Ministry of Education includes the following categories:
- All stages of general education: Primary (boys and girls), Middle, and Secondary
- Kindergartens: Follow the same academic calendar as public schools
- Private and international schools: Adhere to the same official calendar as the Ministry of Education
- Quran memorization schools: Apply the same timings with additional programs for memorization and revision
- Special education institutes: Follow the official calendar while considering the needs of students
- Continuing education and literacy programs: Follow the same timings with specialized programs for adults
🔍 What’s new in the 1448-1449 AH academic year?
The new 1448-1449 AH academic year brings several features compared to previous years:
- Continuation of the two-semester system: After the successful return to the two-semester system, it will continue for the third consecutive year
- Longer autumn break: 9 consecutive days at the end of the first semester, instead of fragmented breaks
- 8-week summer vacation: The longest summer vacation in years, starting June 24, 2027
- Calendar stability: Fixed dates for the start and end of the academic year, helping families plan ahead
- National holidays: National Day (4 days) and Founding Day (4 days) are included in official holidays
📊 Quick statistics for the 1448-1449 AH year
- Total school days: 183 school days
- Total vacation days: Over 65 days (including summer vacation)
- Number of semesters: 2 semesters
- Summer vacation: 8 weeks (June 24 – August 2027)
- Longest vacation of the year: Summer vacation (8 weeks)
- Start of the academic year: August 23, 2026
- End of the academic year: June 24, 2027
- Number of official holidays: 9 holidays (national, religious, semester, and summer)
To study in Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and Taif
According to the approved instructions from the Ministry of Education, the start dates of the study in areas that witness a rise in temperatures during August differ. These areas include:
- Mecca
- Medina
- Jeddah
- Taif
In these areas, the study starts on Sunday, August 30, 2026 (7 Rabi’ al-awwal 1448), a week after the start of the study in the rest of the regions. All vacations and the end of the year remain the same as in the rest of the regions.
📝 Steps to prepare for the new academic year
To prepare for the academic year 1448-1449, we advise parents and students to do the following:
- Purchasing school supplies: Make sure to buy backpacks, stationery, and school uniforms before the start of the study with sufficient time (best time: mid-July to mid-August 2026)
- Registering new students: Ensure that you complete the registration procedures in public or private schools before the deadlines
- Preparing students psychologically: Get the students used to early sleep and daily routine at least two weeks before the start of the study
- Reviewing curricula: Familiarize yourself with the new curricula and courses through the “Madrasati” platform
- Medical examination: Ensure that you complete the required medical examinations and vaccinations for new students
- Booking transportation: Arrange a comfortable and safe transportation means for students, whether a school bus or a private car
🔗 Comparison with the previous year 1447-1448
For comparison, you can view the article The academic calendar 1447-1448 — the previous year which covers the previous academic year. The main differences between the two years:
| Statement | 1447-1448 (Previous) | 1448-1449 (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Start of study | August 24, 2025 | August 23, 2026 |
| National Day holiday | September 23-25, 2025 (3 days) | September 23-26, 2026 (4 days) |
| Eid al-Fitr holiday | March 6-28, 2026 (23 days) | February 26 – March 13, 2027 (16 days) |
| Eid al-Adha holiday | June 2-17, 2026 (16 days) | May 7-22, 2027 (16 days) |
| End of the year | June 25, 2026 | June 24, 2027 |
❓ Frequently asked questions — Academic calendar 1448-1449
We answer the most common questions about the academic calendar and school vacations for the new year:
When does the study start 1448-1449?
Starts on Sunday, August 23, 2026 (6 Rabi’ al-awwal 1448) in most regions of the Kingdom, while in the regions of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and Taif, the study starts on Sunday, August 30, 2026 (7 Rabi’ al-awwal 1448).
August 23, 2026 (10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH) for all educational stages in all regions of the Kingdom, except Makkah, Al-Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, where it starts on August 30, 2026.When is the Eid al-Fitr holiday 1448 AH for schools?
The Eid al-Fitr holiday for schools begins on Friday, February 26, 2027 (19 Ramadan 1448 AH) and continues until Saturday, March 13, 2027 (5 Shawwal 1448 AH), with a total duration of 16 days.
When is the Eid al-Adha holiday 1448 AH for schools?
The Eid al-Adha holiday begins on Friday, May 7, 2027 (1 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH) and ends on Saturday, May 22, 2027 (16 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH), lasting 16 days. It is expected that Arafat Day will be around May 10, and Eid Day around May 11, 2027 (subject to moon sighting).
When does the summer vacation 1449 AH begin?
The summer vacation begins immediately after the end of the academic year on June 24, 2027 (19 Muharram 1449 AH) and lasts for a full 8 weeks until late August 2027.
How many school days are there in the academic year 1448-1449 AH?
There are 183 actual school days, distributed across two semesters.
When does the second semester 1448-1449 AH begin?
The second semester begins on Thursday, January 7, 2027 (29 Rajab 1448 AH), following the autumn break.
When is the National Day holiday 2026 for schools?
The 96th National Day holiday begins on Wednesday, September 23, and continues until Saturday, September 26, 2026, lasting 4 days.
When is the Founding Day holiday 2027 for schools?
The Founding Day holiday begins on Friday, February 19, and ends on Monday, February 22, 2027, lasting 4 days.
Does the summer vacation include kindergartens and private schools?
Yes, all holidays and the academic calendar apply to kindergartens, private schools, and international schools in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education.
What is the approved study system for 1448-1449 AH?
The approved study system is the two-semester system, after returning to it from the three-semester system. This application continues for the third consecutive year.
Are there extended holidays during the academic year 1448-1449 AH?
Yes, the extended holidays include: National Day holiday (4 days), Founding Day holiday (4 days), mid-year break (9 days), and autumn break (9 days).
🔗 Useful links
For more details and updates on the academic calendar,
You can visit the following official sources:
- Official website of the Saudi Ministry of Education
- Academic calendar on the Ministry of Education website
- Madrasati platform for distance learning
- Ministry of Education account on X platform (formerly Twitter)
📌 Also see: Academic Calendar 1447-1448 — Previous Year | Holiday Guide 2025-2026
We wish all students, parents, and teachers a successful and distinguished academic year filled with success and excellence. Follow Toly to receive all updates on the academic calendar and school holidays firsthand 🎉📚
