Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced updated municipal requirements for private schools, nurseries, and learning facilities across the Kingdom. The new framework is designed to enhance environmental quality while strengthening safety standards and supporting effective urban planning for educational developments.
The regulations apply to nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and educational complexes, and cover private educational buildings established on land designated for educational use, on government land leased to the private sector, and on land allocated for commercial purposes.
Scope of the updated framework
According to the ministry, private educational buildings include all facilities dedicated to teaching students across general education, international education, and community education stages. The updated requirements allow for more than one educational stage to operate within a single facility, provided this aligns with the approved classification of the site.
The guidelines are intended to ensure optimal land use and the delivery of safe, well-integrated learning environments that meet modern planning and construction standards.
Planning and architectural standards
The new regulations set out detailed site, planning, and architectural requirements. Educational buildings must be located on two streets, with at least one street measuring no less than 25 metres in width. The number of floors must comply with limits specified in the approved building code, and mandatory building setbacks must be observed.
Nurseries are granted a specific exemption. They may be located on a single street with a minimum width of 15 metres, provided they are housed within a standalone building.
Residential facilities within schools
The regulations also permit the inclusion of internal residential facilities for students within licensed schools. These accommodations must be located in a building separate from the main educational structure and comply with all relevant licensing and planning conditions.
The ministry stated that the updated requirements aim to balance safety, functionality, and urban integration while supporting the growth of private education across Saudi Arabia.
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