{
  "id": 10140283,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T04:45:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/09/1542111/saudi-authorities-shift-schools-riyadh-remote-learning-week-emails"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Parents in Riyadh received emails from schools on Sunday announcing a sudden decision to switch to remote learning for a week, according to messages reviewed by AFP. Saudi authorities confirmed on Monday that schools would remain closed for the entire week, though no official reason was provided. The shift in plans occurred amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with near-daily attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters targeting Saudi Arabia from Yemen. One parent in Riyadh, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over the abrupt decision, stating that families deserved clearer communication. The announcement followed the Saudi-led coalition's interception of drones and ballistic missiles aimed at the kingdom, the latest in a series of escalating Houthi attacks since July. The UN Security Council had previously condemned these strikes, which had injured civilians, including women and children.",
  "summary": "RIYADH: 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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-27T04:31:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}