Several Makkah schools switch to distance learning prior to peak Hajj season

MAKKAH — The General Directorate of Education in the Makkah region announced that a selected group of schools in the holy city would be switched from in-person classes to distance learning via approved digital platforms. This coincides with the start of hectic preparations for the upcoming annual pilgrimage of Hajj. The move is aimed to ensure the continuity of education by activating the Madrasati platform and other digital platforms, thus preventing any disruption to students’ learning. This measure is part of the government’s integrated efforts to improve crowd management and traffic flow in the holy city. The decision primarily aims to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce vehicle density on vital roads to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and service providers. It also supports organizational plans by assisting security and traffic authorities in implementing traffic management plans in the central area and main thoroughfares. This decision will be implemented starting next week, specifically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The designated schools were identified based on their geographical location and operational needs. These schools include Central Haram Area schools: Schools surrounding the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Main axes schools: Educational institutions located on major arterial roads, such as the Second Ring Road and the Third Ring Road; and government headquarters: Schools designated as headquarters for government agencies involved in Hajj operations and services. The Makkah Education Department confirmed that there is high-level coordination with various relevant authorities to ensure the smooth flow of operations during the Hajj season. The administration also directed the leaders of the concerned schools and the educational staff to closely monitor the digital platforms to ensure that students fully benefit from the scheduled classes during this period. It noted that this decision reflects the flexibility of the educational system in Saudi Arabia and its ability to adapt to major national requirements, in a way that ensures the comfort of the pilgrims and the smooth running of the educational institutions at the same time.