Operations and Institutional Arrangement
SDG 5: Focus Areas
5.6.4 Childcare facilities for students
Does your university as a body have accessible childcare facilities for students which allow recent mothers to attend university courses?
The University of Bahrain (UOB) is committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff with family responsibilities through a robust framework of policies and infrastructure. UOB is in the process of establishing an on-campus Child Care Facility in Zallaq, designed to serve both students and employees.
The university will offer four free childcare seats annually—two for children of UOB staff and two for UOB students—as part of its corporate social responsibility commitment.
UOB’s comprehensive Parental Policy (Family Support) further establishes a unified framework for maternity, paternity, breastfeeding, and leave provisions, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for employees and students. The policy includes maternity leave, childcare leave, nursing hours, emergent leave, disability care leave, bereavement leave, and other forms of paid and unpaid family-related leave. Lactation rooms and flexible work mechanisms (adjusted workloads, remote work, academic accommodations, reintegration support) are already in place, enabling recent mothers to return to study or work smoothly.
These measures are fully aligned with national civil service legislation and reflect UOB’s efforts to advance SDG 5 by removing barriers to women’s participation, retention, and career progression in higher education.
Surrounding Licensed Nurseries (PAID, Affordable)
In addition to the on-campus facility, the University of Bahrain campus is located in the Zallaq area, making it conveniently close to several licensed nurseries, ensuring easy access for parents seeking reliable childcare options. The Zallaq, Hamad Town, and Riffa areas offer multiple nurseries at affordable prices, providing high-quality early childhood care and education. Examples include:
These nurseries are licensed by the Ministry of Social Development and offer flexible payment plans, extended daycare hours, and bilingual programs to support working parents.
Application and Support
Students and staff wishing to benefit from UOB’s on-campus childcare facility or nearby licensed nurseries may contact +973 17438086 / 17438983 for guidance and support in identifying suitable options and completing application procedures.
Evidence:
The official poster (see image) confirms the availability of childcare facilities at the University of Bahrain, including contact information and QR code for application.
