Saudi Arabia has unveiled major updates to its economic development plans, with a particular emphasis on the education sector and pilgrimage facilitation.
The Saudi Ministry of Education has introduced significant changes to the academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. These adjustments are designed to streamline the educational process, providing better structure and clarity for students and their families. According to the ministry, the updates aim to help students manage their study periods more effectively.
Beginning with the second semester of the academic year, students will start classes on November 17, 2024, ending on February 20, 2025. The third semester will kick off on March 2, 2025, right before students’ Ramadan break, which will commence on March 20. Officials emphasized, "The academic calendar updates provide students with the opportunity for proper planning and family organization for vacations."
These educational adjustments encompass not only the start and end dates but also adjustments to school timings during Ramadan. Students will begin classes later, at 9:30 AM, to accommodate fasting schedules, ensuring their comfort during this holy month. Educational holidays include days off for Eid al-Fitr and other significant national celebrations, allowing families to spend quality time together.
On another front, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced modifications aimed at managing the increasing flow of pilgrims participating in Umrah. Notably, the ministry reported accommodating around 750,000 pilgrims monthly, far exceeding initial estimates. To mitigate the situation, the duration of Umrah visas has been adjusted to start two weeks earlier than previously scheduled, aligning the influx with the capabilities of local infrastructure.
“The government is committed to enhancing infrastructure for our guests to allow them to enjoy their pilgrimage experience, offering modern transportation and accommodation facilities”, noted officials from the Hajj Ministry.
The preparations involve not only extending the Umrah period but also enhancing the services available to pilgrims. Efforts are underway to modernize transportation options between religious sites, improving the overall travel experience. Authorities are coordinating with traffic management to ensure smooth access for pilgrims, while also developing comfortable accommodations to cater to diverse needs.
With the current surge, this year's regulations reflect Saudi Arabia's proactive approach to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors effectively. By introducing enhanced services, the ministry is focusing on delivering experiences marked by ease and satisfaction.
Among the logistical preparations, extensive training programs for service staff are being implemented to optimize the interaction with diverse nationalities of pilgrims. Local hotels and facilities are being evaluated and upgraded to provide quality services, ensuring guests receive the best possible care during their stay.
Aside from the anticipatory adjustments, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has also announced timelines for when the last Umrah can be performed before the busy Hajj season kicks off. According to ministry regulations, pilgrims will be able to complete their Umrah journeys until the 15th of Dhul-Qi'dah, just before the HI adjacency period, emphasizing operational readiness.
These updates, covering both education and pilgrimage sectors, are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic development strategy, designed to improve key areas crucial to the nation’s identity and growth. Together, these initiatives aim to streamline processes, benefiting both local residents and international visitors.
The ultimate goal is to strike a balance between religious obligations and quality education, strengthening the overall structure of Saudi society.
