Schools across Riyadh move to remote learning for one week after messages sent to parents say Saudi authorities ordered schools to remain closed all week. AFP reports that parents received last-minute emails from multiple schools announcing the change, without providing an official reason.
Outlets attribute the disruption to the broader regional security climate. Middle East Eye notes the decision comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and ongoing attacks attributed to Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen, including recent intercepts of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia. Inquirer.net similarly links the move to near-daily Houthi attacks and rising tensions, but also emphasizes that no official explanation was given to families.
Across the coverage, the difference is primarily in emphasis: some accounts highlight parents’ frustration and uncertainty about the rationale, while others provide more background on recent Houthi attack activity and international condemnation. Both agree the immediate policy shift is communicated to families through school messages and applies across the city for a week.
