Saudi Arabia – Elderly Care

How are elderly people regarded and treated in Saudi Arabia?

Older adults in Saudi Arabia occupy a position of considerable social esteem, a reflection of both Islamic teaching and deeply held cultural values that emphasise community responsibility and reverence for one’s elders. Under Islamic law and the broader social norms that shape Saudi life, caring for ageing relatives is widely regarded not merely as a duty but as an expression of faith and honour.

The family unit sits at the heart of eldercare in Saudi Arabia. For generations, children and extended relatives have been expected to take on the practical and emotional work of supporting ageing parents and grandparents. In this model, women have historically borne the greater share of unpaid caregiving responsibilities, while the wider family network provides additional layers of support and companionship for older members.

Saudi Arabia’s older population has generally benefited from the stability that this family-centred system provides, but significant pressures are emerging. Rapid urbanisation, shifting economic priorities, and changing social expectations are all altering the landscape of intergenerational support. As younger Saudis pursue careers, relocate to cities, or balance competing demands, the number of family members available to share caregiving duties is shrinking — placing greater strain on those who remain.

This stands in marked contrast to northern European welfare models, where the state assumes primary responsibility for eldercare through well-funded national programmes. In Saudi Arabia, the government’s role is more of a safety net — providing support when family structures are absent or have broken down, rather than replacing them. Across the Arab world more broadly, demographic ageing is unfolding alongside sweeping socio-economic transformations that are reshaping traditional family obligations and intergenerational bonds.

What state or publicly funded elderly care is available in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has made formal commitments to improving the welfare of its elderly population, launching a range of initiatives designed to raise living standards for older citizens, clarify rights and entitlements, and strengthen the social care infrastructure that supports them.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) operates 12 residential care homes that deliver free, comprehensive services — spanning health, social, and psychological support — in accordance with Saudi healthcare and social welfare legislation. These facilities are intended as a refuge for Saudi citizens aged 60 and above who cannot meet their own basic needs and who lack adequate family or community support. They also accept patients and elderly individuals without carers, or those referred by hospitals, provided they are free from infectious or psychiatric conditions. The care offered covers residents’ day-to-day living as well as their medical and emotional wellbeing.

Beyond accommodation and personal care, residents of government homes receive meals, seasonal clothing, and a monthly personal allowance of 200 Saudi Riyals, along with access to prosthetic and assistive devices such as medical beds, chairs, and hearing aids (as of 2025 — verify current amounts with the HRSD). The Social Security Agency also runs a home-care programme through which elderly Saudi nationals living with their families receive regular welfare visits and monitoring within their home environments.

As part of the National Transformation Program, the HRSD is working to establish five model senior residential complexes across the Kingdom, offering integrated health services, physiotherapy, and leisure facilities tailored to the needs of older adults.

The Saudi Elderly Support Organisation “WAQAR” was founded in 1437 AH (approximately 2016) as a registered charitable body under the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development. Based in Riyadh and operating nationwide, WAQAR works to improve older people’s quality of life through relief programmes, social and educational services, and awareness campaigns targeted at elderly individuals and their families.

It must be emphasised that all government-operated residential care homes are restricted to Saudi nationals. Foreign residents are ineligible for these state-funded services. For the most current eligibility requirements and programme details, consult the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Saudi National Portal’s elderly care section.

What residential, care home, and nursing home options exist in Saudi Arabia?

The residential care landscape in Saudi Arabia encompasses three broad categories: state-run homes serving eligible Saudi citizens, charitable and non-profit facilities, and privately operated homes accessible to all residents including expatriates. Availability differs considerably between urban centres and more remote areas of the Kingdom.

Nursing homes are designed for elderly individuals whose health conditions or disabilities require continuous medical oversight. These facilities employ qualified nurses and medical professionals capable of delivering round-the-clock clinical care and support. The standard of nursing home provision in Saudi Arabia has been rising steadily, with increasing attention to specialist services and rehabilitation programmes.

Private companies and charitable organisations have taken an active role in developing and managing elderly care facilities, often collaborating with government bodies to maintain quality standards. Notable providers include:

• King Salman Social Center — a well-established organisation offering a broad suite of services for older adults, including residential care, medical assistance, social programming, and rehabilitation support.
• Nahdi Medical Company — a private healthcare provider operating nursing homes and elderly care facilities at multiple locations across Saudi Arabia, with an emphasis on professional medical care delivered in a compassionate environment.
• Mawaddah International Group — a charitable organisation focused on improving wellbeing and quality of life for elderly individuals throughout the Kingdom.

The private sector is authorised to establish up to 13 specialised civil societies for seniors, with the aim of ensuring adequate service coverage across all regions. Regulatory oversight of social care homes sits with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), while medically oriented nursing facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health (MOH). The Saudi Health Accreditation Commission sets quality benchmarks for healthcare providers across the sector.

The breadth and quality of available options varies considerably by location. Major urban centres — particularly Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — offer the widest selection of facilities, while options in rural and smaller regional areas remain more limited. Both the government and private sector continue to invest in expanding and improving elderly care provision as part of broader Vision 2030 commitments.

How much does elderly care cost in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi citizens admitted to government-operated residential care homes receive their care at no personal cost. For expatriates and those using private facilities, however, fees vary widely according to the type and intensity of care required, the provider’s location, and the standard of accommodation offered. Because there is no centrally published or regulated fee schedule for private care in Saudi Arabia, the figures below are general estimates only and should not be relied upon as precise benchmarks.

These figures are indicative and are not derived from any official published tariff. Internationally affiliated private facilities in major cities may charge rates above these ranges. Prospective residents and their families should always request a detailed, itemised current fee schedule directly from any facility under consideration. Costs also differ meaningfully between regions, with the highest prices generally found in the major metropolitan areas.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Health are the appropriate first points of contact for information on any officially published cost guidance or regulated fee structures for care facilities.

Can expats access elderly care in Saudi Arabia, and are there any restrictions?

The boundary between citizen and non-citizen entitlements in Saudi Arabia’s eldercare system is clearly drawn. Admission to government social care homes is limited to Saudi nationals aged 60 or over. No matter how many years a foreign national has spent living and working in the Kingdom, they do not qualify for placement in a state-funded residential care facility.

Access to the public healthcare system is similarly restricted for most expats. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE — generally have the ability to consult a doctor within the public system, giving them a degree of access to publicly funded health services that nationals of other countries do not enjoy. Even so, GCC citizens are not automatically entitled to a place in Saudi Arabia’s state care homes.

There is no formal long-term retirement visa in Saudi Arabia that carries any guaranteed entitlement to subsidised eldercare services. The Saudi Premium Residency scheme provides a long-term residency pathway for eligible applicants, but it explicitly does not confer access to social welfare programmes reserved for citizens. Holders of this status are expected to carry private health insurance to cover their medical costs and to make independent arrangements for any care needs.

No residency duration threshold exists that would unlock state eldercare entitlements for foreign nationals. In practice, expats who require residential or nursing care in Saudi Arabia must access privately operated facilities and either self-fund or draw on private insurance coverage. Eligibility rules and programme conditions can change, so always verify the latest position with the HRSD via the HRSD elderly care page.

What private elderly care and international options are available in Saudi Arabia?

The private elderly care market in Saudi Arabia has been expanding steadily, driven by demographic shifts and rising demand from both Saudi families and the expatriate community. The range of available services now spans assisted living apartments with on-call support through to full medical nursing homes offering specialist dementia and rehabilitation units.

The most developed concentration of private facilities is found in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, where some providers specifically cater to international residents. These facilities typically offer shorter waiting times, a broader menu of specialist treatments, and higher standards of comfort than their public counterparts. Some attract clients from across the region seeking premium care in a well-resourced setting.

Language access is a practical concern for many expats. A number of private hospitals and care facilities in the major cities employ multilingual staff and internationally trained clinicians. When assessing a prospective provider, it is worth asking directly about the languages spoken by frontline care staff, the cultural dietary provisions available, and whether any faith-based care arrangements can be accommodated.

An innovative feature of the evolving Saudi care landscape is the deployment of mobile health units that bring services directly to elderly people in their homes — a model being expanded under Vision 2030 healthcare reforms and operating across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. For expats who wish to remain in their own home for as long as possible, private home-care agencies offer visiting carers, nursing support, and physiotherapy on a flexible basis, though service quality and pricing vary considerably between providers.

Some expatriates ultimately conclude that returning to their country of origin offers a more sustainable long-term solution, particularly given the constraints on permanent residency and access to public services in Saudi Arabia. Engaging an international financial adviser with specific expertise in expatriate retirement planning is strongly recommended for anyone weighing this decision.

What role does health insurance play in covering elderly care in Saudi Arabia?

For the vast majority of foreign residents, private health insurance is not optional — it is a legal requirement. The Council for Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) mandates that all private sector employers provide health insurance for their employees and dependants. This distinguishes Saudi Arabia from countries such as Germany or Japan, which operate dedicated compulsory long-term care insurance schemes specifically designed to fund residential eldercare. No comparable mechanism exists for expatriates in Saudi Arabia.

Under the Compulsory Employment-Based Health Insurance (CEBHI) programme, private sector employers must arrange coverage that enables workers and their families to access treatment at private facilities. However, the scope of standard employer-provided policies has important limitations that expatriates planning for later life should understand clearly.

Categories that are commonly excluded or inadequately covered by standard policies include complex dental procedures, vision and hearing aids, long-term rehabilitation and elderly residential care, traditional Islamic medicine, and elective or cosmetic treatments. This means that routine employer-provided insurance is unlikely to meet the costs of a nursing home stay or extended residential care placement.

Expats who want to ensure meaningful coverage for potential long-term care needs should look for policies that specifically include:

• Long-term residential or nursing care cover
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy allowances
• Emergency medical evacuation (medevac) to a country of choice
• Mental health and dementia care provisions
• Global portability if you plan to return to your home country

Those holding premium residency or long-term visas may find that specialist international health insurance products — from providers such as Cigna Global, AXA, or Allianz — deliver substantially broader elderly care coverage than standard workplace plans. It is essential to read all policy exclusions with care and to obtain written confirmation from your insurer regarding residential care coverage before committing to any policy.

What should expats consider when planning for elderly care in Saudi Arabia?

Preparing for older age as a foreign national in Saudi Arabia requires careful thought across legal, financial, and practical dimensions. Unlike some jurisdictions where long-term residence eventually confers social care rights, Saudi Arabia’s public eldercare system remains exclusively for citizens — making private insurance and personal savings the cornerstones of any realistic care plan.

1. Review your insurance policy now. Check whether your current health insurance covers long-term residential or nursing care. If not, explore supplemental or international long-term care insurance products before you need them.
2. Understand your visa and residency status. Your ability to remain in Saudi Arabia depends on maintaining a valid residency permit (Iqama), which is typically tied to employment or sponsorship. Consider what happens to your residency status if you are no longer able to work.
3. Plan for legal representation. Saudi Arabia has a legal framework for Power of Attorney (توكيل — Tawkeel), which can be granted through a notary and used to authorise someone to manage your affairs. Foreign nationals should ensure they have a legally valid Power of Attorney in place, ideally with both a local representative and a trusted person in their home country.
4. Advance care directives. While advance care planning is gaining recognition in Saudi medical settings, the legal framework for advance directives for foreign nationals is not as clearly defined as in some other countries. Discuss your wishes in writing with your medical provider and family as early as possible.
5. Next-of-kin rights. Foreign nationals should be aware that next-of-kin rights and medical decision-making authority for incapacitated adults may be handled differently under Saudi law than in their home country. A local legal adviser familiar with expat cases is invaluable here.
6. Consider your long-term geography. Many expats ultimately prefer to return to their home country for retirement or eldercare, where they may have pension entitlements, language familiarity, and social care rights. Building a financial plan that accounts for this possibility early is wise.
7. Consult a specialist adviser. Seek out a financial adviser and a lawyer who have specific experience working with expats in Saudi Arabia. Organisations such as the British Business Group, American Chamber of Commerce, or equivalent national business councils in Riyadh often maintain referral networks for vetted advisers.

What are the best official sources of information on elderly care in Saudi Arabia?

Because eligibility criteria, fee structures, and facility listings are subject to change, it is important to verify all information through authoritative official channels. The most relevant sources are set out below.

Saudi healthcare law provides for a comprehensive, integrated network of health services available to all residents in an equitable manner, and the Ministry of Health oversees service delivery across all regions of the Kingdom. Given that programmes, entitlements, and regulations are continuing to evolve under Saudi Vision 2030, always contact these bodies directly for the most current and accurate guidance.

Frequently asked questions about elderly care in Saudi Arabia

Can an expat be admitted to a government care home in Saudi Arabia?

Government social care homes require residents to be a Saudi citizen aged 60 years or older. Foreign nationals are not eligible for state-funded residential care homes, regardless of how long they have lived in the Kingdom. Expats must use private facilities and self-fund or rely on their health insurance arrangements.

What happens if a family member living in Saudi Arabia suddenly needs emergency residential care?

In an emergency, private hospitals and clinics can provide short-term medical care for all residents. However, transitioning to a longer-term care home arrangement takes time and requires active planning. It is strongly advisable to identify and research private care facilities in your area before an emergency arises. Your insurer, GP, or hospital social worker may be able to assist with referrals and coordination.

Is the quality of private elderly care in Saudi Arabia comparable to international standards?

Nursing home facilities are staffed by qualified nurses and medical professionals who can provide round-the-clock assistance and support. The standard is continuously improving, with more focus on specialised care and rehabilitation services. Quality varies between providers and cities. Facilities accredited by the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) or international bodies tend to offer the most consistent standards. Always visit a facility in person and ask about staffing ratios and accreditation status before making a decision.

Are there any language barriers in Saudi Arabian care settings?

In the major cities, many private hospitals and care facilities employ multilingual staff — particularly in English, Arabic, Urdu, and Tagalog, reflecting the large communities of South Asian and Filipino healthcare workers in the Kingdom. Language access in smaller cities and within public facilities may be considerably more limited. Always ask a prospective care provider directly about the languages spoken by their frontline care staff on a day-to-day basis.

Does standard health insurance in Saudi Arabia cover nursing home fees?

Long-term rehabilitation and elderly residential care are typically excluded or inadequately covered by standard private health insurance policies in Saudi Arabia. If residential or nursing care coverage matters to you, it will be necessary to seek out a specialist or international long-term care insurance product. Read all exclusions carefully and confirm your specific coverage in writing before signing any policy.

What is the Saudi Premium Residency, and does it help with elderly care access?

The Saudi Premium Residency (also known as the Green Card scheme) allows qualifying foreign nationals to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor. However, it does not grant access to citizens-only social welfare programmes, including state-operated care homes. Premium Residency holders must still arrange private healthcare and eldercare independently. Check the Investment Gateway Saudi Arabia website for the latest residency conditions.

Are there specialist dementia or memory care facilities in Saudi Arabia?

Dedicated memory care and dementia units exist within some private facilities, primarily in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, though this remains a developing area of the market. If specialist dementia care is a priority, seek a referral from a geriatric specialist at a major hospital such as King Faisal Specialist Hospital or King Abdulaziz Medical City, who can advise on currently available options.

How do I find a vetted legal adviser in Saudi Arabia to help plan for elderly care?

A number of law firms in Saudi Arabia specialise in matters affecting foreign nationals, including Power of Attorney, estate planning, and healthcare proxy arrangements. Your national embassy or consulate in Riyadh or Jeddah can usually provide a list of local legal practitioners familiar with expat cases. International business councils and Chamber of Commerce networks in Saudi Arabia also maintain referral directories. Always verify that any adviser is licensed by the Saudi Bar Association (هيئة المحامين السعوديين).