Schools Reopening in 2 Weeks — Back-to-School Prep Guide for Expat Families

Saudi schools are set to reopen in approximately two weeks, with principals and supervisors returning from summer break. If your children are enrolled in Saudi schools — whether government, Indian (CBSE/ICSE), or international — now is the time to prepare.

Key dates

• Principals return: Late July / Early August 2026
• School reopening: Typically first or second week of September
• Enrollment deadlines: Usually 2-4 weeks before school starts

Source: @SaudiNews50 — “School principals and supervisors returning after summer break.” (Tweet, 390K views, 617 likes)

What expat families need to prepare

1. Enrollment and registration

• Government schools: Check with the Ministry of Education for enrollment deadlines
• Indian schools (CBSE/ICSE): Contact the school directly — most have their own enrollment timeline
• International schools: Spaces fill up fast — confirm your child’s spot

2. Documents needed

• Child’s passport (valid)
• Child’s iqama
• Previous school reports/certificates
• Vaccination records
• Birth certificate
• Passport-size photographs
• Parent’s iqama

3. School fees

• Government schools: Generally free for dependents, but some fees may apply
• Indian schools: Annual fees range from SAR 5,000-20,000 depending on the school and grade
• International schools: SAR 15,000-60,000+ depending on curriculum and facilities

Tip: Set up a dedicated education fund with SNB Neo to track school fee payments, set up automatic transfers, and manage education expenses separately from daily spending.

4. Transport arrangements

• School buses: Most schools offer bus services — confirm availability and routes
• Private transport: If using private transport, book early — demand spikes in September
• Carpooling: Coordinate with other families in your area

5. Uniforms and supplies

• Uniforms: Order early — some schools have specific suppliers
• Books and stationery: Check the school’s book list before purchasing
• Technology: Some schools require tablets or laptops — confirm specifications

Indian schools vs Saudi government schools

Related guides

• Indian Schools Admission Guide
• List of Indian Schools in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi School Admission Guide for Indians
• Saudi General Education System — Expat Impact
• Biometric Registration for Children

References

1. @SaudiNews50 — School principals returning from summer break — Twitter (July 2026)
2. Saudi Ministry of Education — moe.gov.sa

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. School policies and fees may change. Always verify with the school and Ministry of Education.