Makkah Schools Update: Will online education start in Mecca schools, big news regarding Hajj season

There is a lot of discussion on social media about starting online education in Mecca schools from next week. It is reported that due to Hajj season, ‘distance learning’ may be implemented in some schools. This news has increased the curiosity among students and their parents.

Is the news of online studies in Mecca schools true?

Some posts on social media say that from May 11, 2026, education in many schools of Mecca will become online. However, no such official confirmation has been received yet from the Saudi Ministry of Education or the Education Directorate of Mecca. In view of the Hajj season, there are often changes in the arrangements and the Eid-ul-Adha holidays are scheduled to start around 22 May 2026.

What are the preparations of the education department for Hajj and Umrah?

The Education Ministry had approved a new academic calendar on 6 August 2025. This rule has been made for cities like Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Taif. Under this new calendar, the start of studies in these cities is delayed by a week and Hajj holidays have also been postponed by a week. Its purpose is to reduce crowd and pressure during Hajj and Umrah.

When was distance learning first implemented in Mecca?

Distance learning has been used mostly in Mecca due to poor weather conditions. Some dates according to old records are as follows:

• 11 December 2023: Online studies took place due to weather report.
• October 2024 and March 2025: Rules for Evening and Continuing Education Schools came into effect.
• 14 April 2026: Technical and vocational training centers in Taif, Ranya, Turbah and Al-Khurmah switched to online learning due to the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will education be online in all schools of Mecca?

Till now there has been no such official announcement from the Ministry of Education or the Mecca Education Directorate, so wait for the official notice before trusting any news.

What is the new academic calendar for Hajj season?

According to the new calendar, the school start date and Hajj holiday timings in Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Taif have been changed to reduce crowding.