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Saudi Gazette
9 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia outlines progress on gender equality and partnerships at UN forum
NEW YORK — Removing barriers to women's participation in economic and social life has been a central focus of Saudi Arabia's reforms under Vision 2030, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) emphasized during the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. Participating as part of the Kingdom's wider delegation led by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, HRSD Deputy Minister for International Affairs Dr. Tariq Alhamad delivered remarks during two key sessions—one on the review of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality, and another on institutional collaboration and sustainability. Dr. Tariq highlighted that Vision 2030 is enabling inclusive growth by aligning long-term national reforms with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 'Vision 2030 is more than a set of goals. It brings government, civil society and the private sector into shared delivery,' he said. 'We've focused not only on policy, but on the support systems women need to participate fully—whether that's jobs, childcare or reliable transport. There's more to do, but we've made real progress, and we're determined to build on it.' Saudi Arabia's female workforce participation reached 36.3% in the first quarter of 2025, up from 19.7% in 2018. National initiatives such as Qurrah, which has supported over 40,000 women with childcare services, and Wusool, which has helped more than 300,000 women with transport to and from work, have been instrumental. Maternity leave has been extended to 12 weeks at full pay, and nearly 1.3 million women are now engaged in freelance work. At the HLPF side event, Dr. Tariq discussed HRSD's broader institutional approach to inclusive partnerships. He emphasized that durable reform depends on transparent systems, cross-sector collaboration, and strong institutional capacity. HRSD has implemented new legal frameworks for volunteering, donations, and nonprofit work. Through the National Center for Non-Profit Sector, and digital platforms like the National Volunteer Portal and Ehsan, the Ministry is expanding civil society's role in service delivery and innovation. These efforts support multiple SDGs, including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work (SDG 8), Reduced Inequality (SDG 10), Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Dr. Tariq also noted Saudi Arabia's collaboration with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, ensuring national reforms meet global standards while being rooted in local realities. 'Vision 2030 and the 2030 Agenda were launched the same year. They're not the same, but they speak to many of the same goals,' he said. 'For us, the SDGs are not abstract. They're reflected in the way we build institutions, form partnerships, and serve our communities.' — SG
Arab Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Saudi Arabia Modernizes Labor Market with New Expat Classification System
RIYADH, July 11: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has announced the implementation of a new framework to classify expatriate work permits into three categories: high-skill, skilled, and basic. The initiative, unveiled on the Ministry's official X (formerly Twitter) account, aims to regulate the labor market, enhance workforce development, and foster a more competitive and innovative business environment. It aligns with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program. Implementation Timeline and Classification Details The reclassification process for current expatriate workers began on June 18, 2025, with full rollout set for July 6, 2025. New expatriates entering the Kingdom will be subject to the classification system starting August 3, 2025. The classification system is based on a range of factors, including: A detailed guide outlining the new classification process is available on the Ministry's official website.
Argaam
29-06-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Saudi unemployment falls to record low of 6.3% in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate among nationals dropped to a record low of 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025, down from 7% at the end of Q4 2024, according to the Labor Force Survey released by the General Authority for Statistics. This marks the lowest level ever recorded, surpassing the Vision 2030 target of bringing unemployment down to 7%. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) is aiming to lower the rate further to a new target of 5%.
Al Arabiya
26-06-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia highlights women's economic gains at high-level GCC gender dialogue
Saudi Arabia spotlighted its sweeping reforms and rising female workforce participation at a high-level GCC Gender Dialogue hosted in Dubai by the UAE Gender Balance Council and the World Bank. The Kingdom participated in the regional peer exchange last week, joining officials from the UAE and Bahrain in a series of workshops and dialogue sessions aimed at sharing policy best practices to support women's participation in the workforce. Representing Saudi Arabia, Dr. Hanadi Al-Hokair, General Director of Female Enablement at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), participated in the knowledge exchange session, where she presented the Kingdom's achievements and strategies for empowering women economically. During the session, al-Hokair emphasized the rapid progress Saudi Arabia has made, noting a dramatic rise in women's labor force participation – from 17 percent in 2017 to over 36 percent today. 'This event is a timely moment to reflect on how far the Kingdom has come in advancing women's participation in the workplace, and to share real-world lessons and successful strategies on what drives progress with our peers in the Gulf from the UAE and Bahrain,' she said. 'Saudi Arabia has achieved unprecedented milestones in women's economic empowerment… surpassing our Vision 2030 targets.' The event, led by the World Bank, included sessions on global best practices for gender-inclusive labor markets, including childcare policies, legal protections, and efforts to boost women's access in digital and green economy sectors. It also featured insights on the upcoming Women, Business and the Law (WBL) index methodology, a World Bank tool that benchmarks gender-related regulatory progress. Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister for Labor, Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, echoed the Kingdom's commitment to long-term gender equity, stating: 'Women's economic empowerment is not merely a goal; it is a fundamental pillar for the Kingdom's long-term prosperity. In this spirit, the Ministry, in collaboration with government entities, national programs, and the private sector, has launched a series of structural reforms and initiatives since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030.' 'These reforms and initiatives, from equal pay legislation to transport support and maternity policies, have opened up real pathways for Saudi women to participate, progress, and lead in the workplace. We are proud to share our experience and to learn from our partners across the Gulf and the wider region.' Among Saudi Arabia's reforms and initiatives highlighted were: A rise in women holding mid- and senior-level management roles, now accounting for 44.1 percent, up from 28.6 percent in 2017, supported by leadership training in partnership with INSEAD, a non-profit business school. The Parallel Training initiative, which has helped over 122,000 women find employment through more than 800 programs across 46,000 private sector partners. The Wusool transport program, assisting more than 288,000 women with commuting to work. Legislation promoting equal pay and anti-discrimination in hiring and promotions. Expanded maternity leave to 12 weeks at full pay and increased access to childcare through the Qurrah initiative. Regulatory reforms ensuring equal retirement benefits for women. Support for modern work models such as freelance, remote, and flexible employment. These efforts have collectively contributed to stronger workforce participation, retention, and leadership opportunities for Saudi women – positioning the Kingdom as one of the most dynamic labor markets for women in the region.
Leaders
28-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Eid Al-Adha 2025: Saudi Arabia Announces 4-Day Holiday for Private Sector
Saudi Arabia has announced Eid Al-Adha holiday, which will extend for four days for the employees of the private and non-profit sectors, reported the Saudi Gazette. On Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) announced that workers in the private and non-profit sectors will have a 4-day holiday for Eid Al-Adha. The holiday will start on the Day of Arafat, falling on Thursday June 5, 2025 and last until Sunday June 8, 2025. Moreover, the HRSD stressed that employers should take into account the overlapping cases stipulated in Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Saudi Labor Law to ensure that the holiday is implemented in line with the applicable rules. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of Dhu'al-Hijjah crescent moon, announcing Wednesday, May 28, 2025 the first day of the final month of the Islamic calendar. This means that Hajj rituals will begin on June 4, 2025, the eighth day of Dhu'al-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah). The Day of Arafat will fall on June 5, while the Day of Eid will be on June 6, 2025. Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Adha by prayers, animal sacrifice and charity work, fostering community togetherness. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is a spiritual experience for Muslims, which involves undertaking a set of rituals performed by Prophet Mohammed PBUH centuries ago. It takes place during the first ten days of Dhu'al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Short link : Post Views: 1
