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Education
27 March 2025

Saudi Arabia Announces Final Exam Dates Amid Ramadan

Students prepare for exams starting March 2 while Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches in Egypt.

The Saudi Ministry of Education has officially announced the dates for the final exams for the year 1446, a significant moment eagerly awaited by students and parents alike as the end of the second semester approaches. This announcement comes amid a series of changes to the academic calendar over recent years due to various emergencies and circumstances. The details of the academic calendar for 1446, along with essential tips for students preparing for this critical stage, will be outlined below.

According to the approved academic calendar from the Saudi Ministry of Education, the final exams for the second semester will commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025, coinciding with 1 Ramadan 1446. The exams will continue for two weeks, concluding in mid-March. Following the exams, students will enjoy a short break before the commencement of the third semester.

In light of recent adjustments, the academic calendar for 1446 has demonstrated considerable flexibility, accommodating changes due to official holidays or unforeseen circumstances. Notably, the ministry has made provisions to modify examination schedules if they coincide with religious occasions, such as the month of Ramadan. This ensures that exam times are set to suit both morning and evening periods, taking into account the needs of fasting students.

To ensure success in the upcoming final exams, students are encouraged to start their preparations early. Effective time management is crucial; students should prioritize their subjects and allocate additional hours for those that require more effort. Creating a structured review schedule is essential for optimal use of time and reducing anxiety. Moreover, practicing previous exams can help familiarize students with the types of questions they might encounter and identify areas needing further revision.

As Ramadan approaches, the Saudi Ministry of Education is committed to accommodating the fasting conditions of both students and teachers. The ministry plans to reduce the daily school hours, allowing for a more manageable schedule during this holy month.

Meanwhile, as March 27, 2025, rolls around, many are inquiring about the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Egypt. The government has announced the holiday schedule for the public sector, clarifying the dates for both governmental and private sectors, as well as for schools and Al-Azhar institutions.

The Eid al-Fitr holiday for government employees is set to begin on Saturday, March 29, 2025, continuing through to Monday, April 1, 2025. If the crescent moon of Shawwal 1446 is sighted, Monday, March 31, 2025, will mark the first day of Eid al-Fitr, extending the holiday until Tuesday, April 2, 2025.

For the private sector, Minister of Labor Mohamed Gibran announced that employees will receive paid leave from Saturday, March 29, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025, instead of just the first two days of Shawwal. Should the moon sighting alter the holiday schedule, the leave will also extend until April 2, 2025.

Additionally, the Central Bank of Egypt has declared that all banks will close from Sunday, March 30, 2025, through Tuesday, April 1, 2025, resuming operations on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. If the moon sighting confirms that Monday, March 31, 2025, is the first day of Shawwal, the holiday will be extended accordingly, with banking services resuming on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Students at Al-Azhar institutions will also observe a holiday, starting from Saturday, March 29, 2025, until Friday, April 4, 2025. Classes will resume on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

In summary, the holiday schedule for Eid al-Fitr 2025 in Egypt is as follows: the holiday begins on Saturday, March 29, and lasts until Monday, April 1, with an extension possible based on the moon sighting. Schools and Al-Azhar institutions will follow the same holiday period, ensuring that students have ample time to celebrate this important occasion with their families.

As the dates for both the final exams in Saudi Arabia and the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Egypt approach, students and families are urged to stay updated on any further announcements regarding schedules and adjustments. This year, both occasions promise to be significant, with educational commitments and cultural celebrations intertwined.