Latest news with #Ahlaha
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia increases wage support to 50% for tourism sector jobs
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has raised wage subsidies for local workers in the tourism sector from 30 percent to 50 percent, in a strategic push to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labor. The initiative, part of the Employment Support Program by the Human Resources Development Fund, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism in coordination with other government agencies. It extends financial support to 43 tourism-related professions and is designed to enhance the appeal and sustainability of careers in the sector. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the program aligns with the Ahlaha initiative — the ministry's national workforce empowerment plan — which seeks to train and integrate Saudi citizens into the tourism industry. The updated wage support is expected to encourage more private sector involvement in national workforce development and marks a significant step toward achieving the goals outlined in the Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy, which aims to create 1.6 million jobs by 2030 as part of the broader Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda. 'The step aims to raise the percentage of national employment in the tourism sector, while ensuring job sustainability and stability for Saudi workers,' the SPA report stated. The decision underscores ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and its partners to empower Saudi men and women in tourism-related roles and increase Saudization rates across the industry. Latest figures from the General Authority for Statistics show that by the fourth quarter of 2024, employment in the tourism sector grew by 4 percent year on year. Saudi nationals comprised 25 percent of the workforce — or 242,073 employees — while expatriates accounted for 75 percent, totaling 724,458 workers. The Riyadh and Makkah regions led the sector in employment numbers. In a related move, authorities announced in April that 41 key tourism roles, including hotel managers, travel agency directors, and tour guides, will be exclusively reserved for Saudi nationals starting April 2026. The decision is part of continued efforts to localize critical job functions and strengthen the domestic workforce.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia raises wage support for 43 tourism jobs
RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism has announced an increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector, raising the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. The updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, as part of the ministry's broader effort to localize the sector and empower national talent. The initiative is part of the "Ahlaha" program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions by enhancing job stability, workforce sustainability, and overall attractiveness of tourism careers for citizens. The ministry emphasized that the move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry. The goal is to make tourism a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by the HRDF, is designed to support private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages, thereby improving job security and incentivizing hiring. The ministry is also advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under "Ahlaha," offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HADAF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers, ultimately strengthening the domestic labor market. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Boosts Tourism Wage Support to Empower National Workforce
The Ministry of Tourism has announced a significant increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector. This increase raises the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. This updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, enhancing the ministry's efforts to localize the sector. Empowering National Talent Through 'Ahlaha' This initiative is part of the 'Ahlaha' program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions. By enhancing job stability and workforce sustainability, the program makes tourism careers more attractive for citizens. The ministry emphasized that this move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry. The goal is to position tourism as a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by HADAF, supports private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages. This initiative improves job security and incentivizes hiring, ultimately benefiting the entire tourism sector. Advancing Workforce Readiness with Training Programs Additionally, the ministry is advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under 'Ahlaha.' These programs are offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HRDF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the domestic labor market and supports the growth of the tourism sector. By investing in Saudi talent, the Ministry of Tourism aims to create a vibrant and sustainable workforce that drives economic development. Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia raises wage support for 43 tourism jobs
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism has announced an increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector, raising the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. The updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, as part of the ministry's broader effort to localize the sector and empower national talent. The initiative is part of the "Ahlaha" program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions by enhancing job stability, workforce sustainability, and overall attractiveness of tourism careers for citizens. The ministry emphasized that the move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry. The goal is to make tourism a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by the HRDF, is designed to support private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages, thereby improving job security and incentivizing hiring. The ministry is also advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under "Ahlaha," offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HADAF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers, ultimately strengthening the domestic labor market.
