Riyadh: Human Resources Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi announced that the ministry’s ecosystem has achieved 70% of its targets, with women’s participation in the labor market reaching 34.5%.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Rajhi emphasized the ministry’s involvement in eight of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs, striving to fulfill 26 strategic goals through over 100 initiatives, over 70% of which have been completed. During the Budget Forum 2026, he highlighted the significant achievements realized through the Labor Market Strategy launched in 2020, with 92% of its targets now implemented. These efforts have contributed to reducing the unemployment rate among Saudis to 6.8% in the second quarter of this year, a notable decrease from 12% in 2019, surpassing the vision target of 7% by 2030.
The minister also reported that the number of Saudis employed in the private sector has increased to around 2.5 million, with women’s participation in the labor market climbing to 34.5%, up from 23% in 2019. These changes reflect the maturity of the national labor market. To further enhance national talent, the ministry has issued over 30 professional localization decisions in specialized fields such as engineering, accounting, and pharmacy, leading to an increase of more than 100% in Saudi employment in these professions, reaching up to 300% in certain fields.
Al-Rajhi reiterated the commitment of the human resources and social development ecosystem to continue working towards the goals of a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. This will be achieved through an integrated partnership among the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, aiming to build a brighter future for all citizens.