Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH —Saudi Arabia has permitted construction of internal residential facilities for students within the campus of licensed schools, provided that they are in a building separate from the main educational building. This is among the new learning facilities allowed by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.

The ministry has issued new municipal requirements for private schools and learning facilities to enhance the quality of the environment and regulate safety standards and urban planning. Nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and educational complexes in the private sector will come under the purview of the new regulations.

The ministry noted that the requirements apply to private educational buildings established on land designated for such purposes or on government land leased to the private sector, as well as to buildings constructed on land allocated for commercial use. The guidelines follow specific controls and standards to ensure optimal land use and provide a safe, well-integrated learning environment.

The ministry pointed out that private educational buildings include all facilities dedicated to teaching students at the stages of general education, international education, and community education, with the possibility of accommodating more than one stage in accordance with the approved classification.

According to the ministry, the requirements cover site conditions as well as planning and architectural standards. Educational buildings must be located on two streets, one of which must be at least 25 meters wide, and the number of floors must not exceed those specified in the approved building code, with mandatory setbacks observed. Nurseries, however, may be situated on a single street with a minimum width of 15 meters if housed in a standalone building.

The ministry stressed the importance of adhering to the minimum land area allocated per student according to the geographical division of the regions, as the area should not be less than four square meters per student in the kindergarten stage, and it gradually increases until it reaches five square meters in educational complexes. This is to ensure the provision of a suitable educational environment that accommodates the expected student density.

The requirements for private educational buildings are available at the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-12/alnskht%20alm%60tmdt%20lashtratat%20almbany%20alt%60lymyt.pdf.