Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Switch to Remote Learning for One Week; Authorities Do Not Explain Reason

(Comprehensive foreign report from Riyadh on the 27th by Central News Agency) Parents in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, received emails from schools today informing them that classes would switch to remote learning for the coming week. The arrangement is reportedly based on instructions from Saudi authorities.

Two emails seen by AFP both stated: "We have just received notification from the Saudi authorities that schools must be closed for the entire week."

The authorities did not specify a reason, but the move comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region, with Iran-backed Yemen's Houthi movement launching attacks against Saudi Arabia almost daily.

A parent living in Riyadh, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP, "When a decision affects an entire school and lasts for a whole week, parents deserve a clear explanation and should know the reason behind it."

The day before the notification was issued, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted drones and ballistic missiles fired towards Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have escalated their attacks on Saudi Arabia since July, when renewed hostilities broke a years-long ceasefire and drew Yemen into the broader Middle East conflict.

The United Nations Security Council previously condemned the escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which have caused injuries to "civilians, including women and children." (Editor: Shi Shi) 1150927

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