As an institution of higher education, Riyadh Elm University (REU) is the first private health institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was officially licensed in February 2004 by the Ministry of Education to offer bachelors in specialties of Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Dental Hygiene followed by the introduction of Clinical Laboratory Science, Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Dental Laboratory Technology, and Nursing.

REU is open to all applicants who meet the admission requirements regardless of nationality, age, and gender. Instructional sessions are separately held for males and females on respective campuses. The University is not just an institution of courses, classrooms, laboratories, library facilities, and offices. It comprises people who aspire to make significant contributions to the health of the community, the country, and the world. The students may expect to find a friendly academic and administrative staff committed to the noble goal of making available the best quality education that the College could offer in dentistry, pharmacy, medical laboratory technology, and other allied health sciences.

In 2008 REU officially got approval and accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties to start the Postgraduate Dental Studies for the Master of Science Degree in Dentistry and the Competency Certificate Dental Specialties. In 2008, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties granted accreditation and approval for the REU to operate as the training center for the Saudi Board programs in different specialties.

1. Graduate competent professionals to meet the needs of the labor market.
2. Engage in community service.
3. Conduct scientific research.
4. Provide competitive postgraduate programs.
5. Provide health care and promote health awareness to the public.
6. Encourage lifelong learning through accredited continuing education programs.