Saudi Arabia Reports 1,900 Licensed Children's Hospitality Centers Serving More Than 60,000 Children In 2025
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development reports strong expansion in Children’s Hospitality Centers during 2025, with 1,900 licensed facilities across 13 regions receiving more than 60,000 children. The figures underline rising demand for organised childcare services and highlight their growing importance for Saudi families and employers.
All Children’s Hospitality Centers operate under direct ministry supervision, which focuses on quality, child safety and developmental benefit. The centres support early childhood development and help communities meet childcare needs through several models that match different family circumstances, work patterns and travel requirements across the Kingdom’s regions.
The ministry states that five main types of centres are active. Independent centres accept children from birth up to 10 years and usually open from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Workplace centres align their operating hours with the schedules of the host employer or government entity.
| Type of centre | Age group served | Typical operating hours | Main location or purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent centres | Birth to 10 years | 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Stand-alone community facilities |
| Workplace centres | According to host policy | Host entity working hours | Inside or near workplaces |
| Mobile centres | One to 10 years | Morning hours | Equipped trailers serving multiple sites |
| Home-based centres | Birth to six years | Agreed hours with families | Licensed homes |
| Pilgrim centres | Varied children’s ages | 24 hours | Makkah and Madinah for pilgrims |
Mobile centres rely on equipped trailers to reach different locations and serve children aged one to 10 during morning periods, while home-based centres look after children from birth to six years. In Makkah and Madinah, specialised pilgrim centres operate around the clock for pilgrims and Umrah performers.
The ministry explains that Children’s Hospitality Centers aim to offer more than basic supervision. Programmes seek to build children’s cognitive and mental abilities, support social interaction, and improve communication and emotional expression. Centres also provide a secure environment for children while parents are at work or engaged in other commitments.
Licensing of Children’s Hospitality Centers and investor conditions
Regarding licensing, the ministry has moved procedures online, allowing applicants to submit requests electronically without visiting branches. Conditions include that the applicant must be a Saudi investor, at least 18 years old, and must not have managed a centre closed for violations during the previous three years.
The ministry indicates that support for investors in Children’s Hospitality Centers includes quick electronic licence issuance, financial assistance through the Human Resources Development Fund, access to advisory services and guidance, and specialised training workshops. These measures are designed to improve operational efficiency and maintain consistent standards across the expanding childcare sector.
The reported growth of 1,900 licensed centres serving more than 60,000 children shows how Children’s Hospitality Centers are becoming a key part of early childhood services in Saudi Arabia. With closer supervision, easier licensing and financial and technical support, the ministry continues to strengthen the sector’s role for families and workers.
With inputs from SPA
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