With the academic year in Saudi Arabia coming to a close, students and parents everywhere have been looking forward to the summer holiday dates — and the wait is finally over.

The Ministry of Education officially declared that schools will start their summer break immediately after the end of the third school semester. The last day of school will be Thursday, 1 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446, which is June 27, 2025, as per the calendar.

This marks the start of a long-needed respite for students, allowing them to unwind, recharge, travel, or bond with family. With the rigorous academic schedule under the three-semester system, this break comes as a big relief.

While schools start their holiday towards the end of June, university students will embark on theirs a little earlier, following the conclusion of the second semester. The majority of universities will begin their summer recess around mid-Dhu al-Qadah 1446, providing students with an opportunity to participate in summer training or volunteer activities — a great time to hone skills and get exposure to the real world.

The school holiday will last until Sunday, 14 Safar 1447, which is August 17, 2025, and it is a 51-day summer holiday. Although shorter than before because of the redesigned three-semester system, it is still long enough for students to relax and come back rejuvenated.

The new academic framework, even though it lessens summer vacations, provides more frequent shorter holidays during the year — alleviating academic stress and ensuring improved mental health for students.