Schools across Riyadh will move to remote learning for a week after parents received last-minute emails on Sunday informing them that schools would remain closed, according to messages seen by AFP.

Two separate school messages said they had been informed by Saudi authorities that schools must stay closed throughout the week. The notices did not provide an official explanation for the decision.

The move comes as tensions in the Gulf remain high, with Saudi Arabia facing repeated attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters based in Yemen.

On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said its air defences intercepted and destroyed two drones launched towards the Riyadh area. The coalition spokesman said the drones were headed for the Saudi capital.

Saudi air defences also intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards Khamis Mushait, a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia that is home to an air base, according to the coalition.

The incidents have added to security concerns in the kingdom as attacks by the Iran-backed group continue.

With AFP inputs