{
  "id": 10209106,
  "title": "Riyadh schools switch to remote learning amid Houthi threat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/riyadh-schools-switch-to-remote-learning-amid-houthi-threat-10209106",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T10:32:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/gulf/2026/09/27/riyadh-schools-switch-to-remote-learning-amid-houthi-threat/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Schools in Riyadh have abruptly switched to remote learning for the remainder of the week, with parents receiving notices from multiple institutions. The reason for this decision has not been disclosed by Saudi authorities. At least three schools have sent messages to parents, all stating that lessons will take place remotely from Sunday to Thursday. Neither the Ministry of Education nor the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has offered an official explanation for the sudden move. Tensions are high in the region, as the coalition reported on Saturday evening that it had successfully shot down two drones launched by the Houthis towards Riyadh. Earlier, the coalition claimed to have downed two ballistic missiles towards Khamis Mushait and six towards the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia since July, when they imposed a naval blockade. On Saturday, the military leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey held a meeting in Riyadh to address the threats facing the kingdom. They recently signed a joint defense pact, with each nation agreeing to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Riyadh is also preparing for a busy week, with heavy traffic anticipated. The city has previously opted for remote learning via its Madrasati online platform, most recently in December for one day in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.",
  "summary": "Schools in Riyadh have told parents that classes will move online for the rest of the week, in an abrupt change that has not been explained by the Saudi authorities. Several schools in the Saudi capital sent messages to parents on Saturday saying lessons would be held remotely from Sunday to Thursday. The National has seen at least three such messages from three different schools. None gave a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "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"
      },
      {
        "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"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Schools in Riyadh move to remote learning without warning amid renewed Saudi-Houthi tensions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/schools-in-riyadh-move-to-remote-learning-without-warning-amid",
        "published": "2026-09-27T09:02:10.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Riyadh schools switch to remote learning amid Houthi threat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/riyadh-schools-switch-to-remote-learning-amid-houthi-threat",
        "published": "2026-09-27T10:32:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}