The private sector employed a total of 12.1 mn workers in 2024, with expatriates accounting for 80% at 9.6 mn and Saudis at 2.5 mn, Alwatan reports citing Human Resources and Social Development Ministry data.

The gender gap: Saudi women accounted for 41% of local workers at 1.1 mn in 2024, while males made up 59% at 1.4 mn. Among expats, men dominated with 96% (9.2 mn), while women only comprised 4% of foreign workers (420.6k). Women workers were mainly based in Riyadh, with 48% of women nationwide working in the capital.

Riyadh is the hub: The capital had the highest overall workforce concentration, hosting 45% of all local workers in 2024 at 1.1 mn, followed by the Eastern Region at 23% (574.3k), and Makkah at 20% (481.9k). Meanwhile, nearly half expat workers were based in Riyadh at 47% (4.5 mn), followed by the Eastern Region (18%), and Makkah (17%).

Al Baha was on the other end of the spectrum, with only 0.3% of local workers nationwide, accounting for just 6.4k workers. Northern Borders closely followed with 0.3% (7k), while Al Jouf’s share was 0.4% (10.3k).

ALSO FROM THE MINISTRY-

Nationalization rates are set to be increased in 269 professions across various sectors, following new directives from the Human Resources and Social Development Ministry, according to a post on X. Targeted sectors include dentistry, pharma, accounting, and engineering.

The new localization push will see different targets and directives for various sectors:

The engineering sector’s localization rate will be raised to 30%, with a focus on increasing local employment across 184 job categories, effective starting 27 July.

Dentistry is targeting a 45% localization rate in the first phase starting 27 July, to be increased to 55% in the second phase slated for 27 January 2026.

Accounting will see government programs increase Saudi representation across 44 job categories. In the first phase of the program, firms with more than five accountants will need to achieve 40% localization rate, effective starting 27 October 2025, with the rate increasing by 10 percentage points annually to hit a 70% Saudization target by October 2028 in the program’s fourth phase. The fifth phase, set to begin in late 2029, will focus on firms with 3 to 4 accountants, aiming for a 30% localization rate.

The pharma sector’s directives focus on businesses with five or more workers, with the program aiming to achieve a 35% Saudization rate at community pharmas and medical complexes, 65% for pharma-related activities in hospitals, and 55% for other activities. The decision will be effective starting 27 July.

Tags: