Saudi Arabia is moving to expand workplace childcare facilities across government and private sector institutions as part of broader efforts to support working families and strengthen women’s participation in the labour market.
The Council of Ministers has directed the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and other relevant authorities, to develop plans for opening childcare nurseries at workplaces with large numbers of employees.
The initiative is aimed at supporting early childhood development goals while advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, according to a report by the Saudi Gazette.
Regulations and Support Measures Planned
Under the Cabinet decision, authorities have been tasked with preparing regulations and procedures governing the establishment and operation of workplace nurseries in both the public and private sectors.
Officials are also expected to address operational challenges, including differences in working hours between nurseries and institutions such as ministries, public education departments and companies. The move is intended to encourage more employees to enrol their children in workplace childcare centres.
The Cabinet further stressed the importance of strengthening existing nurseries operating in government workplaces by addressing financial, technical and organisational obstacles.
The measures include increasing operational budgets, improving facility maintenance, upgrading internet infrastructure, hiring childcare workers and cleaners, and reinforcing governance mechanisms tied to support services.
Authorities were additionally instructed to plan suitable spaces and infrastructure for future nurseries while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 Goals
The decision also called for awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of workplace nurseries for parents, children and employers.
Officials said all related costs must be covered within existing approved budgets through reprioritised spending, without creating additional pressure on state finances or requiring increases to approved budget ceilings.
The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to create family-friendly workplaces, improve access to childcare and encourage greater participation of women in the workforce under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation strategy.
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