The General Directorate of Education in Al-Jawf region officially announced the adoption of new school hours, coinciding with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, for all public, private, and international schools, as well as kindergartens in the region. This announcement comes as part of the annual preparations undertaken by education departments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to create a learning environment conducive to the spirituality of the holy month and the conditions of fasting.

Working hours details for Ramadan in Al-Jawf region

The administration clarified in its statement that the school day for public schools will begin at 9:30 AM . This applies to all grade levels in both public and private schools. Regarding adult education programs, the first class will begin at 9:00 PM to ensure the continuity of education for this group at times that accommodate their professional and family commitments during the holy month.

The context of flexibility in school timing in Saudi Arabia

This decision aligns with the general directives of the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which grants education departments in regions and governorates the authority to determine the start time of the school day during Ramadan. This flexible policy aims to accommodate the differences in local sunrise times across the Kingdom's far-flung regions, as well as taking into account social conditions and traffic flow in each area.

These measures are part of the ministry’s strategy to ensure that students’ academic achievement is not affected by changes in daily life during the month of fasting, as most families experience changes in their sleep and wake times due to Iftar and Suhoor meals and performing Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers.

Educational and social objectives of adjusting school hours

Delaying the start of the school day until 9:30 AM aims to achieve several educational and health benefits, most notably giving students sufficient rest and sleep after performing the Fajr prayer, which positively impacts their concentration and comprehension in the classroom. This timing also helps alleviate traffic congestion during the early morning hours, making it easier for students and teachers to reach their schools safely and conveniently.

In closing, the General Directorate of Education in Al-Jawf region stressed to school principals the need to inform parents and students in general and continuing education of the new dates through the official school channels, stressing the importance of adhering to the specified attendance times to ensure the smooth running of the educational process, wishing everyone success and a blessed month of fasting.

In a move reflecting the rapid technological advancements in Saudi Arabia's municipal services and infrastructure sector, the Qassim Region Municipality, in close collaboration with the region's traffic department, announced the activation of a smart traffic signal system in the city of Buraidah. This ambitious project utilizes the latest artificial intelligence technologies in traffic management, representing a radical shift from traditional fixed-time systems.

Artificial intelligence technologies to improve quality of life

The new system relies on advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras that analyze traffic density in real time. Instead of depending on predetermined time cycles, artificial intelligence algorithms process the data and adjust traffic light timings based on the volume of vehicles in each lane. This dynamic approach directly contributes to reducing waiting times at intersections, which positively impacts driver comfort and reduces wasted time and fuel, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve quality of life and enhance the efficiency of smart cities.

Targeted locations and operational details

According to reports, the system was successfully piloted at the intersection of King Abdullah Road and King Saud Road on the Northern Ring Road, a vital artery in the city. Work is currently underway to expand the pilot to include intersections along Al-Bayariq Road, in addition to a comprehensive plan to cover the remaining busy intersections in Buraidah. These successive steps confirm the municipality's commitment to implementing the system nationwide to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the city.

Priority given to emergency vehicles and green wave technology

One of the most prominent features of this smart system is its ability to enhance traffic safety and speed up emergency response. The system is equipped with smart sensors that connect to emergency vehicles (ambulances, civil defense, and security patrols), automatically granting them priority access as they approach the intersection, which can be a crucial factor in saving lives.

In addition, the system activates the "Green Wave" technology at successive intersections, allowing vehicles to travel longer distances without frequent stops at traffic lights, thus reducing traffic congestion and limiting carbon emissions resulting from frequent stops and starts, thereby contributing to environmental protection and promoting sustainability.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a firm decision today (Saturday) to suspend two Umrah companies from operating, following the detection of serious violations that included failure to provide accommodation services for pilgrims coming from the Arab Republic of Egypt, in violation of the previously approved contractual programs.

Details of the violation and the urgent intervention

The Ministry stated that it had observed a group of Egyptian pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom without any actual arrangements for their assigned accommodation, despite these services being documented and paid for as part of their Umrah packages. The Ministry considered this a clear violation of the regulations and instructions governing services for pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.

In a swift response to the crisis, the Ministry immediately took over securing alternative and suitable accommodation for all affected pilgrims, stressing that the measures taken came immediately in accordance with the regulatory frameworks to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims and preserve their rights, and to prevent the recurrence of such violations that affect their spiritual experience.

International coordination and accountability

In a related context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that it is coordinating at the highest level with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism to take the necessary legal and regulatory measures against the foreign agents contracted with the two suspended companies. This cooperation aims to ensure that all parties involved in the service provision chain, both inside and outside the Kingdom, are held accountable, and to protect pilgrims from any contractual manipulation.

The context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and serving the pilgrims

This measure is not a random occurrence, but rather comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm commitment to the objectives of "Vision 2030," specifically the "Guests of God Service Program." This program aims to facilitate the hosting of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims and provide them with the highest quality services, while also targeting increased capacity and enhancing the religious and cultural experience.

The Ministry is continuously working to develop systems and regulations that guarantee the rights of pilgrims, utilizing the latest technologies and digital platforms to monitor the performance of Umrah companies and ensure their adherence to rigorous quality standards. The safety and comfort of pilgrims are considered a red line that the Kingdom will not allow to be crossed under any circumstances.

A strongly worded message to Umrah companies

The ministry concluded its statement with a strongly worded warning, emphasizing that it will not tolerate any negligence or breach of contractual obligations by any company or institution. It affirmed that the rights of pilgrims are a top priority, calling on all those working in the sector to fully comply with regulations and instructions, and to provide services of a quality befitting the Kingdom's status as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.