Riyadh Police Arrest Expatriates for Cable Theft; 51 Schools Move to Remote Learning

Security authorities in Riyadh have arrested a group of expatriates accused of stealing electrical cables from schools, public facilities and private properties across the capital. The thefts forced the Riyadh Education Department to temporarily transition 51 schools from classroom instruction to online learning while repairs are carried out.

What happened

Investigations found that the suspects removed electrical cables from several school buildings and other locations, then stored the stolen materials in illegal warehouses and yards before reselling them through retail outlets. According to an announcement shared by Public Security on its official X account, the suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution after legal procedures concluded.

The incident took place in August 2025 and has drawn attention to ongoing challenges protecting public infrastructure in major cities. Authorities say the case is being handled in accordance with Saudi law governing theft and the illicit sale of stolen goods.

Impact on schools and timeline

The Riyadh Education Department confirmed that 51 schools in the capital were affected after missing cables disrupted electrical supply in several buildings. As a safety and continuity measure, the department instructed these schools to switch to remote learning via the Madrasati platform. The temporary remote-learning period covered Sunday, 23 Safar 1447 AH (August 17, 2025) through Thursday, 27 Safar (August 21, 2025) while maintenance crews worked to restore power and complete repairs.

Letters were sent to school principals and parents explaining that face-to-face classes will resume only after full repairs and safety checks are completed. Education officials emphasized that repair teams are working to return schools to normal classroom instruction as soon as it is safe to do so.

Guidance for parents and the expatriate community

For the large expatriate community in Riyadh, the sudden switch to remote learning raised practical questions about access, schedules and communication. If your child’s school was affected, consider the following steps:

• Confirm your child’s daily schedule and login details with the school. Most affected schools used the Ministry’s Madrasati e‑learning platform for lessons and assignments.
• Ensure your child has a reliable device and internet access. Reach out to the school if technical support or alternative arrangements are needed.
• Monitor official school communications and the Ministry of Education updates for reopening announcements.
• Report any local safety concerns to school administrators and local authorities; cooperation between parents and schools helps speed safe reopening.

Useful official resources:

• Ministry of Education (Saudi Arabia) — official announcements and guidance for schools and families.
• Ministry of Interior / Public Security — updates and reporting channels for security-related incidents.
• Madrasati — the Ministry’s national e-learning platform used by affected schools.
• Saudi Press Agency (SPA) — national news releases and official statements.

Legal and community context

Authorities have stressed that theft of infrastructure—especially from public facilities and schools—is taken very seriously. The suspects were processed through the legal system and handed over to the Public Prosecution in accordance with established procedures. While details of the ongoing prosecution are handled by judicial authorities, such cases typically draw strict enforcement and penalties under Saudi law.

Infrastructure theft has been a recurring issue in several cities, prompting calls for enhanced security measures around critical public assets. Local governments and school administrations are increasingly exploring better perimeter security, CCTV coverage and community reporting channels to deter similar crimes.

Broader implications for expatriates

For expatriates living and working in Riyadh, this incident highlights several realities:

• Many expatriate families depend on consistent school operations—unexpected closures or shifts to remote learning can strain work schedules and childcare arrangements.
• Expats should keep emergency contacts and school communication channels readily accessible. Employers often provide guidance or flexibility when school disruptions affect staff obligations.
• Cooperation with local authorities and schools is essential. If you witness suspicious activity related to infrastructure theft, report it through official MOI channels to assist investigations.

School schedules and planning

The Riyadh education department has also been publishing updated school schedules for the academic year, which include seasonal start times and adjustments for Ramadan. These are important for families planning daily routines:

• Summer schedule: assembly at 6:15 a.m.; first class at 6:30 a.m.
• Winter schedule: assembly at 6:45 a.m.; first class at 7:00 a.m.
• Ramadan schedule: first class begins at 9:00 a.m.

Teachers and staff were scheduled to report back on Sunday, 23 Safar (August 17, 2025), while the planned return of students to in-person classes was set for Sunday, 1 Rabi Al Awwal (August 24, 2025), pending repair completion.

What to watch next

Parents and members of the expatriate community should watch for official reopening notices from their school and the Ministry of Education. Schools will communicate directly with families when electrical systems are fully restored and safety checks are complete.

This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance. Protecting public assets—especially those used by children—benefits everyone. Expatriates who live and work in Saudi Arabia are encouraged to stay informed via official websites and to report concerns promptly through the Ministry of Interior’s portals.

Final note

The arrests and the temporary school disruptions underscore the balance authorities must strike between swift law enforcement and maintaining uninterrupted education. For now, affected schools continue lessons online while repair teams restore facilities. The expat community in Riyadh can expect continued coordination between schools, education authorities and security services until normal operations resume.

If your family was affected, contact your school principal for specific guidance and consult the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Interior links above for official updates.