The Jeddah Education Department has announced that schools will be closed on Sunday, as the Saudi city hosts a Formula One race.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be held on March 19, although events take place from March 17.
Classes will resume through the Madrasati remote-learning platform for all schoolchildren.
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Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing celebrates after winning the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Getty -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Bahrain Grand Prix. Reuters -
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez completed a one-two for Red Bull while veteran driver Fernando Alonso also made it to the podium. Getty -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the Bahrain Grand Prix. PA -
Max Verstappen during a pit stop in Bahrain on Sunday. EPA -
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton battled hard in Sakhir. AFP -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Getty -
Max Verstappen of Red Bull at the Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday. Getty -
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the start of the Bahrain GP. Reuters -
Bernie Ecclestone at the Bahrain International Circuit. Getty -
Geri Horner walks in the paddock. Getty
The department posted the announcement on its official Twitter account that next Sunday will be a holiday "for all schools in Jeddah with the activation of the distance education platform”.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit has been undergoing preparations to host the race, the third international motor racing event held in the coastal city.
Work on the track over the past 10 months, in collaboration with Formula One and the FIA governing body, involved some slight changes to the turns to improve the drivers’ view.
The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was first staged in Jeddah in 2021.
The first race was held on a street circuit in the month of November, beginning and ending on the city’s Corniche and running along the Red Sea.
