Who’s Who: Noha Kattan, deputy minister for national partnerships and development at the Ministry of Culture

Noha Kattan.
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Updated 29 April 2023
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Who’s Who: Noha Kattan, deputy minister for national partnerships and development at the Ministry of Culture

Noha Kattan is the deputy minister for national partnerships and development at the Ministry of Culture.

She is also currently a board member of the Saudi Convention and Exhibition General Authority and a member of the board of trustees for the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts.

Kattan is also a member of the Executive Incentives Committee at the Cultural Development Fund, a board member of the Family Affairs Council, and a member of the Supreme Committee for the Princess Nourah Prize for Women’s Excellence.

Kattan has led the establishment and oversight of several departments and functions since joining the ministry in 2018.

She developed the Kingdom’s Cultural Talent Development Strategy and continues to pioneer efforts to integrate arts and culture into the education ecosystem through initiatives including a school theater, a national cultural talent tournament, and training for music teachers.

She oversaw the culture-licensing department, led the mandate transfer from numerous government bodies to the Ministry of Culture and its commissions, and developed the investment and private sector engagement strategy, identifying investment opportunities in the culture sector and structuring deals to enhance private-sector participation and the overall sustainability of the sector.

Kattan works closely with nonprofit organizations, enabling and empowering nongovernmental organizations to actively contribute to cultural growth in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to her current position, Kattan headed the Vision Realization Office and was an advisor to the deputy of planning and development at the Ministry of Sports.

She assisted with the development of the National Sports Strategy and was part of the leadership team in launching mega flagship projects in Saudi Arabia, such as Formula E, WWE, and the King Salman Chess Championship.

Kattan also served as program director and manager at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, where she led youth-targeted projects and policies in partnership with the Harvard Kennedy School for the Evidence for Policy Design Program.

Kattan earned her bachelor’s degree in applied medical sciences and clinical nutrition from King Saud University and a master’s degree in medical sciences and human nutrition from the University of Sheffield.

She has a professional certificate in survey research techniques from the University of Michigan and a leadership development certificate from the Harvard Business School.

 


Saudi Arabia now has over 1,900 care centers for 60,000 children

There are now more than 1,900 licensed childcare centers in Saudi Arabia providing services to over 60,000 children. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia now has over 1,900 care centers for 60,000 children

  • Nationwide care for children from birth to age 10
  • 24-hour support for pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah

RIYADH: There are now more than 1,900 licensed childcare centers in Saudi Arabia providing services to over 60,000 children, the Ministry of Human Resources said on Monday.

The ministry supervises the centers across 13 regions to ensure high quality services. They provide safe havens for children when their parents are not present, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Childcare centers in the Kingdom offer a range of programs aimed at improving children’s cognitive and social skills, so they can speak clearly and express feelings.

The growth of services in 2025 reflects increased demand for early childhood development support, the SPA said.

The ministry’s services include independent centers that run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for children from birth to the age of 10.

There are also workplace centers that serve the children of employees during office hours, and mobile ones for those between 1 and 10.

Home centers care for children from birth to the age of 6; and there is also 24-hour provision for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

The ministry has improved its online application process for those seeking licenses to operate. And is supporting providers financially through the Human Resources Development Fund.

It also provides consultations and guidance through specialized training workshops.

The ministry is updating legislation and raising the level of oversight to ensure a safe environment for the development of children.