“We were told that the children in grades lower than four would get out of school on Rajab 4, or June 16, but we received a notice from the school prepared by the Ministry of Education on Saturday saying they would have to attend school until June 30, causing us to reschedule our trips abroad,” said Sultana Al-Madani, a Saudi mother of three.

Al-Madani said her husband had to pay extra money to get their reservations changed.

“We wanted to rebook for a different day, but few seats were available and the fares were higher because of the unexpected rush of people wanting to reschedule their trips,” she said.

Outraged parents say it is routine every year for younger children to get out of school two weeks earlier than their older counterparts and they don’t understand why this year is different.

“We always plan our holiday in advance because our children are small,” said Maleeka Baaghil, a mother of two. “I was told by my son’s principal that June 16 would be the day for issuing the school report card and then he would not have to attend classes until next school year. What the ministry has done by changing the date at the last minute and forcing children to sit in school for an extra two weeks for nothing is simply unfair.”

Other parents say they were told by their children’s teachers that the reason smaller children have been delayed is to allow them to finish their book work.

“I don’t believe these excuses as my son and two daughters have completed their book work, testing and other activities and should receive the report card and be free for summer break,” said Mazen, a father of four, adding that he has decided not to send them to school and just go to the principal and teachers on June 30 to take their report cards.

The Ministry of Education has stated that the delay is to allow extra time for children and teachers to complete assignments and to make the school year standard across all grade levels.