Riyadh schools switch to remote learning after unexplained closure order

Schools in Riyadh emailed parents on September 26/27, 2026, saying Saudi authorities had ordered in-person classes suspended for one week, with teaching and administrative staff to work remotely via the Madrasati platform. Messages seen by AFP read: "We have just been informed by Saudi authorities that schools must remain closed all week." The Education Ministry has issued no public statement. The order came a day after the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed two drones launched toward the Riyadh area and two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Khamis Mushait. Parents expressed frustration at the lack of explanation. Parents said: "When a decision affects an entire school community for a full week, families deserve clear communication and transparency about the reasons behind it"; "It's a last-minute decision. We have no clue what's happening"; and "If this is a decision that affects all students for a week, the reasons should be explained clearly and transparently." Hezam Al-Assad said of the Houthi strikes that produced the intercepts: "Despite the operation's strength, scope, and impact, our armed forces view it as merely a small-scale rehearsal for a full-scale escalation." Contested: every outlet reports authorities gave no reason for the closures; any link to the drone and missile intercepts is inferred from timing only and remains unconfirmed. The UN Security Council condemned the attacks, noting civilians including women and children were wounded.