Students and faculty in the Saudi capital must transition to online education through Thursday following a sudden government order issued on Sunday. Messages seen by AFP indicate that all students and administrative staff are required to move to remote platforms such as Madrasati, with no official reason provided for the abrupt suspension of in person classes.

The shift to remote learning follows the interception of two drones launched by Iran backed Houthi forces toward Riyadh on Sept. 26. While the Saudi led coalition continues to monitor missile and drone threats across the kingdom, it has previously issued alerts for Abha and Khamis Mushait as Houthis increase strikes on energy infrastructure and shipping.