Key facts
- Schools in Riyadh will operate remotely for one week.
- The decision for remote learning in Riyadh is due to safety alerts issued by civil defense authorities.
- Saudi Arabia has experienced multiple attacks by Houthi fighters in recent weeks.
- In the UAE, students have begun returning to educational institutions after weeks of distance learning.
- 51 schools in Riyadh shifted to remote learning due to the theft of power cables.
Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been instructed to operate remotely for a week due to safety concerns, according to AFP. The decision comes amid recent attacks on the kingdom by Houthi fighters, which have prompted civil defense authorities to issue safety alerts.
Separately, in the United Arab Emirates, over a million students have returned to educational institutions after weeks of distance learning. This shift back to in-person classes follows a period of geopolitical tensions. Teachers and parents have expressed joy and relief at the reopening of schools, with many families eager for students to reunite with friends and educators. Some schools in the UAE are continuing with distance learning for an additional week to conduct staff training on safety protocols.
Earlier, the Riyadh Region Education Department had announced the suspension of in-person classes due to unfavorable weather conditions. Additionally, 51 schools in Riyadh transitioned to remote learning following the theft of electrical cables, which caused significant power outages.