Over 1.6 million students return to Riyadh schools as new academic year begins

More than 1.6 million students returned to public schools across Riyadh on Sunday, marking the start of the 1448-1449 academic year. The launch took place with full readiness from teaching and administrative staff across 8,652 schools in the region.

Schools reported strong attendance from students at the morning assembly, which began at 6:15 a.m., followed by the first class at 6:30 a.m. The positive atmosphere reflected the Riyadh General Directorate of Education's preparations for a productive and diligent school year.

Naif bin Abed Al-Zaraa, Director General of Education in Riyadh, said the directorate had completed its preparations through supervisory and field teams to ensure school compliance and provide a safe, motivating learning environment. He praised the efforts of 119,806 teachers and 29,716 administrative staff supporting the educational process.

Al-Zaraa added that the successful start demonstrates the effective coordination between schools, education offices, and relevant departments, contributing to an environment that supports student development.

This strong turnout is part of the "Back to School" and "We Write a Story" campaigns launched by the Ministry of Education to promote school attendance and instill values of diligence and perseverance in students from the very first day of the new academic year.