Thousands of students will return to school around the country as the new academic year begins Sunday, marking the end of the summer holidays. The authorities concerned, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Interior and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) have made the necessary preparations to ensure that the resumption of classes takes place smoothly - both within and outside the school premises. While necessary advice and guidance has been provided to students in order to help them prepare for the new year, steps have also been taken to make sure traffic circulation remains smooth around schools and there are adequate mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of children going to and returning from school. Stores selling 'back-to-school' supplies have also seen hectic activity over the past few days as students and their parents bought various items required ahead of the reopening of schools. Pictured is a busy outlet in Doha on the eve of the start