{
  "id": 2531432,
  "title": "For the first time, Saudi students get digital ID cards with QR codes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/for-the-first-time-saudi-students-get-digital-id-cards-with-qr-codes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T07:52:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/for-the-first-time-saudi-students-get-digital-id-cards-with-qr-codes-1.500648716"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education has launched digital services for students to streamline school-related tasks and communication. As pupils, parents and teachers return to public schools on Sunday, August 23, they will have access to a Unified Education Portal. This platform consolidates academic tasks, communication tools, and administrative services under one digital roof, eliminating the need for physical visits to schools.\n\nThrough this portal, students and parents can monitor homework, periodic tests, and other assignments, giving them a comprehensive view of their academic progress. Additionally, a messaging feature is available for parents to communicate directly with teachers and school staff, minimizing the requirement for in-person consultations for common queries.\n\nMost significantly, students will be issued an official digital identification card with essential personal and academic data such as their name, nationality, identity number, school, and grade. This card features a QR code that enables authorized parties to verify the information electronically, offering students a convenient means of identification when necessary. This development is part of a larger initiative by the kingdom to advance digital education services ahead of the new academic year. Other functionalities of the portal include registering for school buses, switching schools, registering guardians, and completing procedures for newly enrolled students. Overall, the introduction of these digital services aims to facilitate a more direct and efficient management of academic and administrative matters, while enhancing communication between families and schools.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Students across Saudi Arabia will return to public schools tomorrow ( Sunday, August 23) with a new set of digital services designed to allow pupils, parents and teachers to track schoolwork and communicate without having to visit schools in person. The Ministry of Education has made the services available through its Unified Education Portal, bringing academic tasks, communication tools…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Saudi students could lose school bus service for breaking safety rules",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/saudi-students-could-lose-school-bus-service-for-breaking-safety-rules",
        "published": "2026-08-22T07:53:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}