Saudi Arabia will apply daylight saving time (DST) to all schools from Sunday, April 6, 2025, under a countrywide effort to improve operational efficiency. The action will be aimed at synchronizing schooling schedules with changes in seasons, maximizing daylight periods, and maximizing productivity. The move is an adjustment in the way the educational system works to meet the new demands of modern society.
With the revised timetable, schools nationwide will start their day earlier to best utilize natural daylight. Schools in larger cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam will have morning classes start immediately at 7:00 AM. The change will be phased until summer time, with the goal of reducing disruption to routines.
This change is anticipated to enhance students’ concentration and performance, enabling them to complete school earlier during the day and sleep more at night. With increasing focus on work-life balance, the DST adjustment is also viewed as part of Saudi Arabia’s larger initiative to synchronize its schedules with international best practices. The decision is likely to be a relief for parents too, leaving them more free time for evening family activities.
Education authorities are optimistic that the change will have a positive impact on both students and educators. They have urged all members of the community to take note of the new schedules and assist students in adjusting to the change smoothly. The government will also track the success of DST in schools and look into possible expansions of the program to other areas.
