The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development oversees 1,900 licensed childcare centres across 13 regions in Saudi Arabia, serving more than 60,000 children by 2025. The expansion reflects rising demand for childcare services and highlights their central role in early childhood development. The ministry continues to supervise and guide these centres to ensure the delivery of comprehensive care services in line with the highest standards of safety and quality.
Five Categories of Childcare Services
Childcare services are structured across five primary categories. Independent centres admit children from birth to 10 years of age and operate from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. Workplace centres are established within corporate entities to serve employees’ children in alignment with company working hours. Mobile centres utilise specially equipped trailers for children aged 1 to 10 years and operate during morning hours.
Home-based centres are located in private residences and accommodate children from birth to 6 years old. Centres for pilgrims are situated in Makkah and Madinah, operating around the clock to serve Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Supporting Families and Child Development
Operating under the ministry’s supervision, these centres provide integrated care and developmental programmes aimed at refining children’s cognitive and intellectual abilities, including thinking, comprehension, memory and imagination. They also enhance social interaction skills, strengthen communication and emotional expression, and offer a secure environment for children during their parents’ absence.
The ministry’s efforts are designed to support families and empower parents to balance professional and family responsibilities, while fostering a safe and stimulating environment that promotes optimal child development.
Licensing and Investor Support
With regard to licensing procedures, the ministry has enabled electronic applications without the need to visit its branches, under streamlined conditions. Among the requirements is that the applicant must be a Saudi investor aged at least 18 years and must not have had a licensed centre closed due to a violation within the preceding three years.
The ministry seeks to empower investors through incentives including expedited electronic licensing, financial support through the Human Resources Development Fund, advisory and guidance services, and specialised training workshops aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. The continued development of the childcare sector remains a strategic priority, pursued through updated legislation and strengthened oversight mechanisms to ensure a safe environment that nurtures future generations and improves overall quality of life.
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Further Reading:
- Saudi Arabia Opens School Performance Data to Parents in Landmark Move
- Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Agenda and the African Opportunity Ahead