Qura Program Achievements: 15,600 beneficiaries, with the Eastern Province leading the way
The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) revealed exceptional figures achieved by the Qurrah program , which supports childcare for working women, during the first quarter of 2026. The total number of beneficiaries of this vital support reached approximately 15,668 women across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition, the number of children benefiting from childcare services reached 20,068, reflecting the significant demand and tangible success of the initiative in meeting the needs of working mothers.
The journey of empowering women in the Saudi labor market
Historically, women have faced numerous challenges in balancing family responsibilities with career aspirations, with childcare costs being a major obstacle to their continued participation in the workforce. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the wise leadership set a strategic goal of increasing women's participation in the labor force. In response to this national objective, the Human Resources Development Fund launched several initiatives aimed at overcoming these obstacles and providing a stimulating and supportive work environment. This support covers childcare costs at approved centers, providing mothers with peace of mind and psychological and professional stability.
The economic and social impact of the success of the Qura program
The impact of the Qurrah program extends beyond the financial sphere, encompassing broad economic and social dimensions. Locally, the program helps alleviate the financial burden on families, positively impacting their quality of life and family stability. Regionally and internationally, such initiatives enhance the Kingdom's standing in global indicators related to women's empowerment and equal opportunities in the workplace. The sustained presence of Saudi women across various professional sectors boosts GDP and drives comprehensive and sustainable economic development.
Geographical distribution of beneficiaries: Eastern Province leads the way
Official data and statistics revealed a significant disparity in beneficiary rates across the Kingdom's various regions. The Eastern Province topped the list with 5,630 beneficiaries, followed by Riyadh with 4,776, and then Makkah with 2,854. These three major regions received the largest share of the total support provided.
In subsequent rankings, the Madinah region came in fourth place with 706 beneficiaries, followed by the Qassim region with 568, and then the Asir region with 399. The Hail, Najran, and Jazan regions recorded similar numbers, ranging between 136 and 158 beneficiaries. Conversely, the Tabuk, Al-Baha, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions were among the lowest in terms of beneficiaries, with figures not exceeding 76 each, highlighting the need to intensify awareness campaigns in these areas.
Terms and conditions for benefiting from financial support
It is worth noting that the Human Resources Development Fund, through this initiative, contributes to covering up to 50% of childcare costs, with a maximum of SAR 1,600 per child per month. The support mechanism is open-ended, provided that the beneficiary has children within the specified age range of newborns (0) to 6 years old.
To ensure that support reaches those who deserve it, the fund has established a set of clear and straightforward eligibility requirements. These include the requirement that the employee be registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance, be actively employed in the private sector, and have a monthly salary not exceeding SAR 8,000. These requirements guarantee that financial resources are directed to those most in need of support, thus achieving social justice and effective empowerment.
