Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Private Schools for Safety Violations

May 16, 2026

77 min

May 16, 2026 16:30

Saudi Arabia revokes licences of several private schools over safety, regulatory breaches

## Schools Lose Licences Over Safety Concerns

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education has withdrawn licences from several private schools due to non-compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This decision has sparked concerns among parents and school owners about the potential impact on students and staff.

## Ensuring Student Safety

The ministry emphasized that the closures are part of a strategy to ensure student safety and uphold educational standards. Affected students will have the option to transfer to public schools or other private institutions. The ministry is working with families to facilitate smooth transitions and is monitoring the situation of educational staff, particularly Saudi teachers.

## Regulatory Process

Mona Al Ajmi, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the regulatory approach allows schools time to address violations without disrupting education. The ministry remains committed to addressing any breaches that compromise student safety or violate licensing conditions.

## Concerns from Parents and School Owners

Some parents have expressed worries that moving students mid-year could disrupt their academic and psychological stability. School owners have also raised issues, citing challenges in meeting new safety and municipal requirements, which they argue are difficult to apply to previously licensed schools.

## New Regulations

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced updated regulations for private educational buildings, including stricter fire safety measures and minimum space requirements, aligning with the Saudi Building Code.

## Support for Ministry's Actions

Education specialists support the ministry's decision, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety standards and improving educational quality as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.

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