Latest news with #HRDF
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. (
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Private Sector Employment of Nationals Rises 93% in Q1
Saudi Arabia's Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) announced a significant increase in the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector, with 143,000 citizens hired through the Fund's programs during the first quarter of 2025, a 93% growth compared to the same period last year. In its quarterly report, the Fund also revealed that 1.18 million Saudis benefited from its training, empowerment, and career guidance services in Q1, marking a 4% year-on-year increase. More than 98,000 private sector establishments across various industries and regions of the Kingdom benefited from HRDF services during the same period, reflecting a 37% increase over Q1 of the previous year. Notably, 93% of these businesses were small, medium, or micro enterprises, underscoring the Fund's role in supporting grassroots economic development. HRDF disbursed SAR1.8 billion (approximately $480 million) during the quarter to support training, empowerment, and career counseling programs. HRDF Director General Turki Al-Jawini said the Fund operates in close partnership with public and private sector stakeholders to create job opportunities for Saudi nationals. He highlighted ongoing transformations within the Fund, driven by the government's commitment to investing in human capital. Al-Jawini noted that the growing number of individuals placed into jobs through HRDF initiatives reflects the Fund's strategic efforts to respond to labor market changes, improve workforce efficiency, and align with economic priorities. He added that the Fund continues to evolve its support programs to better meet the needs of the market and national development goals. HRDF's focus remains on providing tailored training and career development programs that equip Saudi talent for roles across key sectors, especially those identified as economic priorities.
Argaam
21-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
HRDF supports employment of 143,000 citizens in Q1 2025
The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) contributed to supporting the private-sector employment of 143,000 citizens during the first quarter of 2025, through its programs and initiatives, marking a rise of 93% year-on-year (YoY). A total of 1.18 million citizens benefited from its empowerment, guidance and training services during the three-month period, an increase of 4% YoY. HRDF highlighted that more than 98,000 establishments benefited from its programs during the same period, up by nearly 37% YoY, of which 93% are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The total amount spent on support programs reached SAR 1.83 billion during Q1 2025, the fund said.
Daily Tribune
08-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Human Resources Development Fund to Fully Cover ICAEW CFAB Certification for Saudi Nationals
In a major boost to Saudi Arabia's professional development landscape, the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) has announced full financial coverage for Saudi nationals pursuing the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business (CFAB) —an internationally recognised qualification. The initiative aims to empower Saudi citizens with essential financial and business skills, supporting national efforts toward economic diversification and aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy. Under the programme, eligible Saudi professionals and job seekers across both public and private sectors can receive up to SAR 23,810 per individual, covering the full tuition fees at any ICAEW-authorised learning centre. Notably, there is no cap on the number of beneficiaries. 'This landmark approval from HRDF marks a major step in expanding access to globally recognised financial expertise for Saudi professionals,' said Hanadi Khalife, Head of ICAEW Middle East. 'Removing financial barriers to education enables more aspiring professionals to build successful careers in finance and business, strengthening the Kingdom's talent pipeline.' The ICAEW CFAB qualification covers key areas of business, finance, and accounting, providing learners with the tools to evaluate performance, manage risk, and make informed financial decisions. It is also a gateway to the prestigious ICAEW ACA qualification, one of the top designations in the global accountancy profession. Graduates of the CFAB programme can also apply for the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation, enhancing their credentials in the competitive finance job market. Saudi nationals interested in enrolling can find detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions on the HRDF website under the "Professional Certificates" section.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Human Resources Development Fund to fully cover ICAEW CFAB certification for Saudi nationals
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Saudi nationals pursuing careers in finance and business will now have full financial support to obtain an internationally recognised qualification, following the approval of complete funding for the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business (CFAB) by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). Under the initiative, eligible Saudi citizens can receive up to SAR 23,810 per individual, covering the full tuition fees at any ICAEW authorised learning centre. The funding applies to professionals across both public and private sectors, as well as job seekers, with no cap on the number of beneficiaries. Hanadi Khalife, Head of ICAEW Middle East said: 'This landmark approval from HRDF marks a major step in expanding access to globally recognised financial expertise for Saudi professionals. By making the ICAEW CFAB qualification more accessible, this initiative equips Saudi nationals with the essential financial skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the Kingdom's economic diversification and Vision 2030 goals. Removing financial barriers to education enables more aspiring professionals to build successful careers in finance and business, strengthening the Kingdom's talent pipeline.' The ICAEW CFAB is an internationally recognised certificate that covers core areas of business, finance, and accounting. It is highly valued by organisations worldwide and gives professionals a solid understanding of how businesses operate financially. The qualification helps individuals develop skills to monitor business risks, evaluate performance, and make informed business decisions. The qualification also serves as a stepping stone towards the full ICAEW ACA qualification, one of the most prestigious professional accounting designations globally. Upon completion of ICAEW CFAB, students can also apply for the ICAEW Business and Finance Professional (BFP) designation, further strengthening their professional credentials. Saudi nationals interested in the programme can find more information about eligibility requirements and the application process on the HRDF website under Professional Certificates. For more information about ICAEW CFAB, please visit -Ends- Media enquiries: Layth Kamal, Mojo PR, on email icaew@ About ICAEW Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 208,000 members and students around the world. Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor over 12,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct. We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet's resources are managed sustainably. ICAEW is the first major professional body to be carbon neutral, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13. ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers. We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.
