Saudi Arabia sees record 2.48 million nationals in private jobs

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing labor market transformation, with 2.48 million Saudi men and women now employed in the private sector—the highest number on record, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) played a central role in this growth, facilitating the employment of 143,000 Saudis in the first quarter of 2025 alone. More than SR1.83 billion was invested during this period in training, empowerment, and job readiness initiatives.

The impact has been transformative. The national unemployment rate among Saudis dropped to 6.3%, its lowest level since statistical tracking began.

“This progress reflects the developmental momentum in the Kingdom and supports our national ambitions under Vision 2030,” the ministry said in a statement. “We exceeded the 7 percent unemployment target six years ahead of schedule, and we are steadily advancing toward our revised goal of 5 percent.”

One of the most notable developments has been the surge in female labor force participation. The unemployment rate among Saudi women dropped to 10.5% in Q1 2025, down from 11.9% in the previous quarter and 14.2% during the same period last year—a nearly four-point year-on-year decrease.

The ministry attributed this shift to targeted programs supporting women’s economic empowerment, safer workplace environments, and expanded opportunities for professional growth.