Saudi Arabia has ambitious goals to transform its labor market, reduce unemployment and attract more local than foreign workers. At the same time, it is taking steps to increase gender equality in the labor market. The country is interested in revitalizing its economy which can not be achieved without creating a more diverse and inclusive labor market.

The government supports initiatives that promote women’s participation in various sectors of the economy. At the same time, behind the statistics, employers are offering more and more vacancies that may be of interest to women. As of 2023, the employment rate of women in Saudi Arabia was approximately 36-38%. This figure is an increase over previous years, and the changes can be seen even in the list of vacancies on sites such as Lаyboard

Programs that support women’s education, entrepreneurship, and vocational training will further increase women’s participation in the labor market.

Conditions for job growth

The unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia is declining. According to the latest government data, it fell to 7.1% in the second quarter, a significant drop from 7.6% in the previous quarter and 8.5% just a year ago. The overall unemployment rate, including foreigners, dropped significantly to 3.3% from 4.1% last year.

Most notable was the drop in the unemployment rate among women, which dropped from 14.2% in the first quarter to 12.8% in the second. Even more interestingly, Saudi women’s labor market participation has already exceeded the Vision 2030 target of 30%, reaching a record high of 35.4%.

This is not surprising, as the country seeks to grow and develop its economy in all promising sectors, from innovation to tourism.

Removing barriers

Saudi Arabia is working to remove traditional barriers that have prevented women from taking their rightful place in society. The environment is conducive to women’s professional success, primarily because it helps the country’s economic growth and social development.

Recent legislative changes have eased some of the restrictions that previously limited women’s participation in various industries. Women have gained the right to drive cars, easier mobility, and better access to employment opportunities.

Policies have also been introduced to promote gender equality in the workplace, including measures against discrimination and harassment, and to ensure a safer and more inclusive work environment for women.

Encouraging remote work and flexible working arrangements have allowed women to balance family responsibilities and professional life, making it easier for them to enter and remain in the labor market.

Promising industries

Saudi Arabia has a very young population. More than 60% of Saudis are under 30 years old. Therefore, job creation in the private and public sectors is more important than ever. Hospitality, healthcare, education, tourism, and retail are probably the most popular industries in Saudi Arabia, where the employment rate of women is growing rapidly.

In Saudi Arabia, about 60-70% of healthcare workers are women. Most of them are nurses and administrators. In retail, more and more women are working in stores and shopping centers, and the percentage of women is growing to 30-40%. In addition, about 25-35% of restaurant and hotel staff are women.

In addition, the large number of highly skilled foreign professionals working and living with their families in Saudi Arabia has increased the need for professionals to perform routine household tasks.

Нouse maid job in Saudi Arabia is in high demand as social conditions are changing and both spouses are working. As a result, there is a growing need for people who are able to perform the work of a domestic worker. Hourly or full-time employment provides flexibility in the work of domestic workers, which makes this profession attractive to many.

Changes in traditional perceptions of women’s roles in society have also affected the need for maids, as women increasingly work outside the home. There are many agencies that specialize in finding maids, which indicates that there is.

Government support programs 

Saudi Arabia has invested a lot of resources in educational initiatives and programs that would encourage women’s employment. For example, there has been an increase in investment in education and training for women, which helps them acquire the skills needed for in-demand professions. Scholarships and specialized programs encourage women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Efforts are being made to integrate women into sectors such as technology, healthcare, and tourism, which are seen as growth areas for the Saudi economy. Programs such as mentoring facilitate networking and help connect women job seekers with employers.

For women entrepreneurs, the government offers funding and resources to start and grow their own businesses. Programs and initiatives are specifically targeted at women who want to start their own business, helping them navigate the business environment.

Importantly, the Government has been conducting campaigns to raise awareness of women’s contribution to the economy and to promote the benefits of women’s participation in the labor force. These initiatives are aimed at changing public perceptions and encouraging more families to support women’s employment.

These are just a few examples of successful businesses founded or led by women. These businesses highlight the potential of women’s entrepreneurship in the Saudi economy.

• Nailah’s Beauty Salon

Founded by Nusrat Al Sharif, Nailah’s is a thriving beauty salon that offers a wide range of services, including manicures, pedicures, and skin care treatments. The salon has gained popularity due to its innovative approaches and focus on quality customer service, creating a loyal clientele.

• Salla

Salla is an e-commerce platform co-founded by a female entrepreneur. The service allows entrepreneurs to easily create their own online stores. The platform has enabled many women to start their own online businesses, contributing to the growth of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia.

• Femi9

This women’s clothing brand was founded by a group of female entrepreneurs who wanted to offer stylish and modest clothing options. Femi9 has become well known in the region by catering to the tastes and preferences of Saudi women.

• Tama’a

Tama’a is a women-founded food service that focuses on traditional Saudi cuisine. It not only showcases the local culinary heritage, but also provides employment opportunities for women in the hospitality industry.

• Hustle

This coworking space was created by women entrepreneurs to support women in business. It offers all the opportunities for networking. It offers seminars and resources for women who want to start or grow their business.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia continues to push the envelope in introducing innovations and new approaches in all spheres of life. This contributes to the growth of all industries and the building of a modern, dynamic economy. And the creation of jobs and the empowerment of women makes this path of change even more exciting.