85.3% of Saudi Children Aged 2–5 Developmentally On Track

Oct 28, 2026•2 min read

New official statistics indicate that 85.3% of children aged 24 to 59 months in Saudi Arabia — roughly 2 to under 5 years old — are developmentally on track across health, learning, and psychosocial well-being,

The figure is based on the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI2030), an internationally recognised tool used to measure how young children are progressing in key areas of growth during their earliest and most formative years.

The data also shows a modest gap between girls and boys. Among girls, 86.2% were found to be developmentally on track, compared with 84.4% of boys in the same age group.

Why it matters for families

Early childhood is widely regarded as a critical window that shapes a child's long-term health, education, and social abilities. Tracking development in these years helps families and communities identify where young children are thriving and where additional support may be needed.

For parents across Riyadh, Jeddah, and other cities, the figures offer a reassuring snapshot: the vast majority of young children in the Kingdom are meeting expected milestones. At the same time, the small difference between girls and boys highlights the value of continued attention to every child's individual growth.

The indicator reflects broader efforts to invest in the well-being of the youngest members of Saudi society and to build strong foundations for the next generation.

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates: