JEDDAH: Saudi schools and universities will continue with remote learning for an initial 10 weeks into the second semester, the Ministry of Education has announced.
The decision was made to protect students, teachers and school staff from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), while making sure they continue with education.
“After the 10 week period, the situation will be thoroughly evaluated,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Ibtisam Al-Shehri, told Al-Ekhbariya TV news.
He added that the decision to expand remote learning for students “depends on the results of that evaluation.”
Elementary students’ classes will begin at 3 p.m., while secondary and high school students will be resuming their classes at 9 a.m.
Universities and training centers are to carry on with remote learning for theoretical classes. Applied classes will resume with
preventive measures and social distancing.
The ministry has been assessing remote learning throughout the pandemic and has formed two committees for general and university education in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The ministry has worked to improve the remote experience through programs like the Madrasati platform, 33 educational TV channels, lesson channels on YouTube and the national education platform Ain.
The ministry affirmed its confidence in the faculty of universities and technical training centers as they carry out remote learning and safe applied education.
The ministry also praised the role of families in continuing to pursue education remotely for their children, adding that it could not have succeeded without their cooperation.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported six new COVID-19-related deaths. The death toll now stands at 6,310.
A total of 169 new cases were reported, meaning 364,440 people have now contracted the disease. There are 1,929 active cases, with 302 in critical condition.
According to the Health Ministry, 32 of the newly recorded cases were in Riyadh, 15 in Makkah and seven in Madinah.
In addition, 188 new patients have recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom to 356,201.
Saudi Arabia has so far conducted 11,535,208 PCR tests, with 49,133 carried out in the past 24 hours.
Distance learning to continue in Saudi Arabia for all stages of public education during second term
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Distance learning to continue in Saudi Arabia for all stages of public education during second term
- Students will continue with distance learning until the end of the tenth week of the second term
- The school day for primary school students will start at 3 p.m. and at 9 a.m. for secondary school students
Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons
- It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content
TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.
The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.
It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.
Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.
The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.
Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.
