RIYADH: Schools and universities in parts of Saudi Arabia suspended in-person classes on Sunday as heavy rain and unstable weather swept several regions, prompting authorities to shift to remote learning and increase emergency readiness, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Education authorities in the Eastern Province halted classes for the day, while in the southwestern Asir Region, training institutions suspended face-to-face instruction. In Al-Ahsa, schools were ordered to close for Monday based on weather forecasts.
Several universities announced similar measures. Taif University moved classes online in several colleges, while King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences suspended in-person studies at its Al-Ahsa branch. King Khalid University also halted physical attendance for the day.
The disruptions followed forecasts by the National Center for Meteorology warning of widespread storms. The agency said heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail were expected over Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha, with moderate to heavy rain in Najran, Makkah, Riyadh, the Northern Borders and the Eastern Province.
In the capital, Riyadh, heavy rain fell late on Saturday night, followed by a dust storm that reduced visibility in some areas.
Forecasters also warned of dust-stirring winds across central and northern regions, with gusts over the Arabian Gulf exceeding 45 kph during storm activity and Red Sea winds reaching up to 60 kph in places.
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority said it had raised its readiness level in Riyadh and declared a full alert as part of its rain and flood response plan.
“A total of 143 ambulance units and 25 rapid response teams have been allocated,” the authority said, adding that additional vehicles had been deployed to handle potential multiple-casualty incidents.
The agency urged residents to follow official safety instructions, avoid flood-prone areas and ensure access for emergency responders. It noted that emergency services can be reached via the 997 hotline and through mobile applications including “Asifny,” “Tawakkalna” and “Absher.”
Officials emphasized that the measures were precautionary, aimed at ensuring public safety as volatile weather conditions continue to affect large parts of the Kingdom.
