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The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development continues to develop the elderly care system through a strategic approach that reflects its priorities in sustainable social development and contributes to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 related to quality of life, empowering priority groups, and enhancing community participation.
The Ministry is leading this paradigm shift through a comprehensive sub-strategy that aims to move from the traditional service delivery model to a more inclusive national model based on empowerment, governance, expanded partnerships, and diversified service delivery channels, within regulatory frameworks that take into account equity of access, performance efficiency, and sustainability of impact.
Regulatory Framework that Defines Roles and Expands the Scope of Participation
The Ministry based this approach on the Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/47) of 1443 AH, concerning the Rights and Care of the Elderly, who aged 60 and above, which marks a turning point in regulating the relationship between the state, society and the family by defining the roles of government and community entities, expanding the scope of participation and integration, and ensuring care within a clear regulatory environment.
This law has enabled the ministry to redistribute roles, move to a participatory model among all concerned parties, and strike a balance between individual empowerment and collective responsibility.
Modern Operating Models that Enhance Service Efficiency
As part of this path, the Ministry has developed advanced operating models for elderly centers, which are implemented through licensed and qualified community entities. These models take into account psychological, social and environmental dimensions in their design, with direct supervision from the Ministry to ensure quality and compliance with standards.
These models included the operation of a number of community centers affiliated with the non-profit sector in various regions, most notably the Ikram National Resort in Al Bahah, Wahat Al-Wafa in Madinah and Al Qassim, and the Saadah Center in Eastern Province, as part of a well-thought-out expansion plan that takes into account geographical needs and population distribution.
Digital Services that Support Access and Enhance Independence
The Ministry has been keen to develop digital solutions that make it easier for elderly people to use services and enhance their independence in accessing services. This includes issuing an elderly privilege card, that automatically shows up in the Ministry's Absher Individuals app and linking it to the Tawakkalna app. In addition, it has made it possible to apply for residential care electronically and launched the “Haq Lakum” service, which provides a direct channel to facilitate support procedures for beneficiaries' requests.
This digital transformation is an extension of the Ministry's approach to empowering beneficiaries, enhancing transparency, and simplifying procedures, while taking into account the needs of the target group.
Comprehensive Support and Accessible Facilities
The Ministry provides a comprehensive support system for the elderly, including improved social insurance, provision of assistive medical devices, designated parking spaces, priority in service delivery, and a “Digital Inclusion” service that allows registration for support programmes without the need to visit branches, ensuring easy and confidential access to services.
The Ministry also carried out specialized awareness campaigns on the rights of elderly, in cooperation with the Family Affairs Council and partners in the Government and non-Profit Sectors, to raise community awareness and enhance mutual respect.
Empowering Associations and Motivating the Private Sector
The Ministry has activated the roles of community associations through licensing, qualification and follow-up, and has empowered many associations to become active partners in service delivery, in accordance with clear standards that enhance efficiency and ensure sustainability.
The Ministry has also encouraged the private sector to contribute to this field through social responsibility programmes. More than 50 quality initiatives funded by the private sector have been launched and are being implemented in coordination with partner authorities, thereby enhancing integration between sectors in serving this category.
Measurement System that Supports Continuous Improvement
The implementation of the strategy is managed through a precise monitoring system based on 16 strategic indicators covering service quality, beneficiary satisfaction, and geographical coverage. Measurement results up to May 2025 showed that 98% of the interim targets had been achieved, reflecting the effectiveness of planning, the accuracy of implementation, and the integration of roles among partners.
National Approach that Enhances Dignity and Regulates Participation
Through this paradigm shift, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is reorganizing care for the elderly within an integrated national model that enhances rights, activates community participation, and consecrates human dignity, within a framework that regulates and supports the roles of the family and society and expands the scope of partnership between different sectors.
This approach is consistent with the social values deeply rooted in Saudi society and in line with modern trends in sustainable social development, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing social policies and legislation in accordance with best institutional practices.
