Schools in Riyadh move to remote learning without warning amid renewed Saudi-Houthi tensions
The academic calendar shows that the current week was scheduled as a regular school week after the Saudi National Day holiday on September 23 and 24.
Private schools in Riyadh shifted to remote learning from Sunday through Thursday, October 1, amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Notices sent directly to parents did not provide a clear explanation for the sudden change. The Riyadh education administration's official website remained silent on the matter as of Sunday morning, leaving it unclear whether the move was coordinated by multiple schools, directly instructed by authorities, or made independently.
The current week was typically a regular school week following the recent Saudi National Day holiday, which occurred on September 23 and 24. The escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis intensified over the weekend, with the Saudi-led coalition intercepting drones and ballistic missiles launched by the rebels toward Riyadh and other parts of the kingdom.
Notably, there were previous instances where Riyadh was targeted by the Houthis, most recently on September 19 when ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones were reported to have been launched toward the capital. The decision to move to remote learning remains unexplained, with no official confirmation linking it directly to the Houthi threat.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Riyadh schools switch to remote learning amid Houthi threat thenationalnews.com
- Riyadh schools to operate remotely for week, AFP reports middleeasteye.net
- Saudi authorities shift schools in Riyadh to remote learning for week: emails to parents nst.com.my
