{
  "id": 10138457,
  "title": "Riyadh schools to operate remotely for week, AFP reports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/riyadh-schools-to-operate-remotely-for-week-afp-reports",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T04:31:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/parents-told-riyadh-schools-operate-remotely-week-afp-reports"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Riyadh schools will shift to remote learning for a week, according to AFP. Parents across the city received emails from their children's schools on Sunday, informing them of the sudden decision. Saudi authorities confirmed that schools must remain closed all week, though no official reasons were provided. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with near-daily attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen. When a decision impacts an entire school community for a full week, families expect clear communication and transparency about the reasons behind it, said a parent in Riyadh. This is a last-minute decision, according to a Lebanese expatriate living in the city. The announcement follows a day when the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting drones and ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom, the latest in a series of escalating Houthi attacks since July. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attacks, noting that they have injured civilians, including women and children.",
  "summary": "Riyadh schools to operate remotely for week, AFP reports Parents across Riyadh received emails from schools on Sunday announcing a last-minute plan to shift to remote learning for a week, according to messages seen by AFP. \"We have just been informed by Saudi authorities that schools must remain closed all week,\" read two separate messages seen by AFP. There was no official reason given but the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Riyadh schools to move to remote learning for a week",
    "Parents receive emails from schools on Sunday",
    "Decision follows recent drone and missile attacks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Saudi authorities shift schools in Riyadh to remote learning for week: emails to parents",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/saudi-authorities-shift-schools-in-riyadh-to-remote-learning-for-week",
        "published": "2026-09-27T04:45:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}