Saudi Arabia issues new rules for private schools, nurseries, and learning facilities

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has issued new municipal requirements for private schools and learning facilities, aimed at enhancing environmental quality while regulating safety standards and urban planning.

The updated framework covers nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and educational complexes across the Kingdom.

The ministry said the requirements apply to 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.

Saudi school rules

The guidelines follow specific controls and standards designed to ensure optimal land use and the provision of a safe, well-integrated learning environment.

According to the ministry, private educational buildings include all facilities dedicated to teaching students at the stages of general education, international education, and community education.

The regulations allow for more than one educational stage to be accommodated within a single facility, provided this aligns with the approved classification.

The requirements also set out detailed site, planning, and architectural standards. 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 not exceed limits specified in the approved building code, and mandatory setbacks must be observed.

An exception is provided for nurseries, which may be located on a single street with a minimum width of 15 metres, provided they are housed in a standalone building.

The regulations further permit the construction of internal residential facilities for students within licensed schools, on the condition that these are located in a building separate from the main educational structure.