Saudi Arabia now operates more than 1,900 licensed childcare centers serving over 60,000 children across all 13 regions of the Kingdom, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced on Monday. The expansion reflects a growing national commitment to early childhood development and supporting working families as part of the Kingdom broader social transformation under Vision 2030.
A Comprehensive Network of Care
The ministry oversees the network of centers to ensure consistently high service standards, with each facility designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children when their parents are not present. The childcare system offers a diverse range of programs tailored to improving children cognitive and social abilities, helping them develop clear speech, emotional expression, and foundational learning skills from the earliest stages.
The types of centers available reflect the varied needs of Saudi families. Independent centers operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and accept children from birth to the age of ten. Workplace-based centers serve the children of employees during office hours, making it easier for parents to maintain their careers without compromising their children care. Mobile centers cater to children between the ages of one and ten, while home-based centers provide services for children from birth to six years old.
In a unique provision reflecting the Kingdom role as custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, 24-hour childcare services are available in Makkah and Madinah to support families visiting for pilgrimage.
Supporting Providers and Raising Standards
The ministry has streamlined the licensing process through an improved online application system, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for new providers looking to enter the sector. Financial support is also available through the Human Resources Development Fund, ensuring that childcare operators have the resources needed to deliver quality services.
In addition to financial backing, the ministry provides specialized consultations and training workshops to help center operators enhance their skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education. Legislation governing the sector is being updated continuously, with heightened oversight measures designed to guarantee a safe developmental environment for every child enrolled.
Empowering Saudi Families Under Vision 2030
The growth in childcare services recorded throughout 2025 aligns with Saudi Arabia strategic goal of increasing female workforce participation, a central pillar of Vision 2030. By expanding access to reliable childcare, the Kingdom is removing one of the most significant barriers that working mothers face, enabling more women to pursue professional opportunities while knowing their children are in capable hands.
The childcare expansion also contributes to the broader objective of building a thriving society, one of the three core themes of Vision 2030, by investing in human capital from the very beginning of a child life. As the network continues to grow, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in early childhood development infrastructure.
