Latest news with #SaudiWomen
Tahawul Tech
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Tahawul Tech
'Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities.' – Youssef Abouseif, Uber KSA
As Saudi Arabia celebrates seven years since the historic decision that allowed women to drive, Uber has announced the upcoming launch of its new 'Women Drivers' product, designed to give women riders the option to be matched exclusively with women drivers. The feature builds on Uber's commitment to empowering women through mobility and flexible economic opportunities. The 'Women Drivers' product allows women riders to book rides exclusively with women drivers via the Uber app, expanding economic opportunities for Saudi women while enhancing rider choice. The initiative aligns with Uber's long-term vision for a more inclusive platform and forms part of its broader commitment to support the participation of women in the Saudi economy. The product is also designed for ease of use to ensure women feel comfortable and empowered. It will be available gradually for riders in the coming weeks. Here's how the product works: On-demand – The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X. – The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X. Reserve – For women riders looking for added structure and planning, they can reserve a ride with a women driver up to 30 minutes in advance through the Uber Reserve feature. Youssef Abouseif, KSA GM at Uber, said, Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities. At Uber, we see that future as electric, shared, and autonomous – but also inclusive. The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We're continuing to support women who choose to drive via the Uber app – giving them more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community. We're also thrilled to witness this dynamic change unfold in Saudi Arabia, and we firmly believe initiatives like these play a pivotal role in Saudi Vision 2030.' Empowering Saudi women through Al Nahda partnership and GigSister events Uber is proud to announce its partnership with Alnahda Society, a leading non-profit organization established in 1962 with a mission to empower women both economically and socially. This collaboration aims to support women in mobility through capacity-building initiatives, including financial literacy programs, by equipping women with essential skills. The initiative paves the way for economic independence and opens up opportunities such as driving via the Uber app. This effort builds on Uber's previous collaboration with Alnahda through the Masaruky initiative, which supported thousands of women in joining the workforce by helping them learn to drive and obtain a driver's license. Additionally, Uber will host its first GigSister program in Saudi Arabia, creating a dedicated space for women drivers to connect, share experiences, and foster a supportive local community. These initiatives highlight how Uber is going beyond mobility to actively invest in the development and success of women across the Kingdom. Over the years, Uber has introduced a series of programs in Saudi Arabia, from the Wusool initiative, which has supported over 20 million subsidized rides for women, to Women Rider Preference, which allows women drivers to choose if they want to exclusively pick-up women riders. Each of these initiatives has been carefully curated to advance women's participation in the workforce and align with the Kingdom's broader socio-economic goals. By integrating innovation, empowerment, and local insights, Uber continues to provide tangible solutions that address the unique needs of women in Saudi Arabia. With this latest product launch and new partnerships, Uber remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and progressive platform for all.
Gulf Business
30-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Jobs on the rise: Saudi's unemployment hits record low
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced that Saudi Arabia's overall unemployment rate, encompassing both Saudis and non-Saudis, fell to just 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, marking a continued rebound in Saudi Arabia's labor market. The total labor force participation rate reached 68.2 per cent, with Saudi participation rising to 51.3 per cent, up from Q4 2024. Read- According to GASTAT's Labor Market Statistics Bulletin for Q1 2025, Saudi male participation increased to 66.4 per cent, and their unemployment rate dropped to 4 per cent. The report attributed much of the labor market progress to successful economic reforms and labor empowerment policies, Female participation hits new milestones One of the most notable developments was the continued rise in female participation. The labor force participation rate among Saudi women climbed to 36.3 per cent, while their unemployment rate dropped to 10.5 per cent, a significant decline from the previous quarter. These improvements reflect the impact of national women's empowerment initiatives, which have enhanced their economic involvement and role in sustainable in Youth Employment Among young Saudi women aged 15–24, the employment-to-population ratio rose to 14.6 per cent, with labor force participation up to 18.4 per cent. In contrast, young Saudi men in the same age group saw a decrease in both employment-to-population ratio (29.2 per cent) and labor force participation (33 per cent), though their unemployment rate fell to 11.6 per cent, suggesting a tightening labor market. Prime working age group sees strong gains For Saudis aged 25–54, labor force participation reached 69.6 per cent, with an employment-to-population ratio of 65.9 per cent. Unemployment in this group dropped to 5.4 per cent, reflecting improved job availability and workforce integration. Saudis aged 55 and older saw a slight decline in both participation and unemployment, signaling gradual retirement transitions. Saudi unemployment at all-time low Saudi nationals' unemployment dropped to a record low of 6.3 per cent in Q1 2025. Since 2021, the Saudi female unemployment rate has declined by over 11 percentage points. In terms of job search behavior, 75.8 per cent of job seekers preferred applying directly to employers, followed by 74.6 per cent using the national Jadarat platform. 64.5 per cent updated their CVs on business-focused social media.
Asharq Al-Awsat
30-06-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Women Propel Unemployment to Record Lows
Saudi Arabia has achieved the lowest unemployment rate in its history, dropping to 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025. The milestone was driven largely by the growing participation of Saudi women in the workforce, marking a major shift in employment under Vision 2030. The figure represents an unprecedented annual decline of 1.3 percentage points and a drop of 0.7 points from the previous quarter. The General Authority for Statistics reported that Saudi women's unemployment fell to 10.5%, its lowest level ever recorded, after dropping more than 11 percentage points since 2021. Women's labor force participation also rose to 36.3%, while their employment rate climbed to 32.5% of the total population. These gains reflect the impact of policies designed to expand opportunities and improve the quality of jobs available to women. Human resources specialist Ali Al Eid described the achievement as the result of effective collaboration between government entities and the private sector. 'What we see today is the outcome of years of focused policies to empower national talent and create a work environment that fosters growth,' he told Asharq Al-Awsat. Al Eid noted that targeted initiatives such as Saudization, skills development, and support for entrepreneurs contributed significantly to reducing unemployment. He added that shifts in employment preferences, especially among young Saudis, have accelerated these changes. He emphasized that the Saudi labor market has proven resilient despite recent global challenges. The expanding role of women has been especially critical in lowering unemployment and strengthening economic participation. Al Eid highlighted that young Saudis' increasing focus on vocational training and acquiring specialized skills has lifted labor participation to record highs in recent years. 'Continuing professional development programs is essential to ensure national talent is prepared for the future,' Al Eid said, pointing to Vision 2030 projects in tourism, technology, industry, and logistics as key sources of quality jobs. He also underscored the importance of aligning education outcomes with labor market needs to close skill gaps and prepare young people for emerging sectors. 'What has been accomplished is a significant milestone on the road to broader success,' he added. 'The next priority is to focus on the quality and sustainability of jobs and to enable Saudis to take on leadership and specialized roles that will drive long-term development.' Dr. Abdullah Al-Jassar, a member of the Saudi Association for Energy Economics, said the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Kingdom's economic and social reforms. He noted that the creation of more diverse, higher-quality roles - particularly those suited to women's skills - has been instrumental in lowering unemployment. 'These positive indicators will help attract new investment, especially as the country prepares for major projects extending through 2034,' Al-Jassar said. He added that reaching a 5% unemployment rate under Vision 2030 has become a realistic goal. Among Saudi men, the unemployment rate declined slightly to 4%, while their participation rate rose to 66.4%. Employment among Saudis aged 25–54 increased to nearly 66%, with unemployment falling to 5.4%. Overall, including Saudis and expatriates, unemployment dropped to 2.8%, compared to 3.5% a year earlier. Labor participation rose to 68.2%. These results follow Saudi Arabia's early success in meeting its target of reducing unemployment to 7%, five years ahead of schedule, prompting a new objective of 5% by the decade's end.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi unemployment drops to record low of 6.3% in Q1 2025
RIYADH — The unemployment rate among Saudi nationals dropped to an all-time low of 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the lowest level since the Kingdom began publishing labor force data, according to the latest figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. This historic decline was largely attributed to the increasing participation of Saudi women in the labor market. The female unemployment rate fell to a record-low 10.5%, a year-on-year drop of 3.6 percentage points. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate among Saudi women edged up by 0.3 percentage points to reach 36.3%, while the employment-to-population ratio rose by 0.7 percentage points to 32.5%. The unemployment rate among Saudi men also continued its downward trend, falling slightly to 4.0%, a year-on-year decline of 0.2 percentage points. The Kingdom had initially set an ambitious Vision 2030 target to reduce Saudi unemployment to 7% by the end of the decade, an objective it surpassed ahead of schedule by the end of 2024. As a result, the government has revised its target downward to 5% by 2030. In its concluding statement last week following Article IV consultations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended Saudi Arabia's ongoing labor market reforms, noting that the unemployment rate among Saudi citizens had already dropped to 7% in 2024, well ahead of Vision 2030 targets. Across the broader labor market, including both Saudis and non-Saudis, the overall unemployment rate fell to 2.8% in Q1 2025, compared to 3.5% during the same quarter a year earlier. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi youth key to the Kingdom's growth
By the year 2100, many of the world's major economies are expected to have lost 20 percent to 50 percent of their population due to a growing pattern of aging. Japan, for instance, is already facing the impact of this transition, as it is home to one of the highest numbers of aging citizens globally. China is facing a similar challenge. The global population growth rate has dropped from 1.7 percent in 1950 to 0.8 percent in 2025. As such, experts predict that, by 2084, international population growth will stop completely and even turn negative by the end of the century. Amid these worrying trends, Saudi Arabia stands out. With a young and growing population, the Kingdom is on a path of economic prosperity, youthful ambition and societal advancement. Saudi Arabia's population reached 35.3 million in mid-2024, with Saudi nationals accounting for more than 55 percent of the total. An annual growth rate of approximately 2.52 percent since 2023 has been driven by both a natural increase and immigration. The average age among Saudis is 26.6 years, compared to the global average of 33.6 years. High fertility rates in the Kingdom have led to natural population growth at a time of rapid global aging. In 2024, Saudi women had an average of 2.7 children, well above the global average of 2.3. Despite the overall decrease in fertility rates globally, the outlook remains positive for Saudi Arabia as it continues to boast a growing and vibrant young population. The Kingdom is on a path of economic prosperity, youthful ambition and societal advancement Zaid M. Belbagi This growth is also deeply rooted in cultural norms. It is a society where large families and children are highly valued. Moreover, the relatively early age of marriage in the Kingdom has also influenced high fertility rates and mitigated the risk of a majority aging population. According to a survey by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, most Saudi men prefer to marry at about 25.3 years of age and women at 20.4 years. This youth-led demographic is an asset for Saudi Arabia, holding great promise for the Kingdom's development and economic goals. Its youth's energy and ambition are key to building the nation of tomorrow. The government recognizes this potential, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wrote when launching Vision 2030: 'Our real wealth lies in the ambition of our people and the potential of our younger generation. They are our nation's pride and the architects of our future.' A young population directly translates into an expanding and productive labor force. This is already significantly boosting productivity and driving economic growth in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is showing positive indicators in this regard. As of 2024, the labor force participation rate was 66.4 percent and the unemployment rate had dropped to 7 percent. As such, the Kingdom reached its Vision 2030 unemployment target six years ahead of schedule. To cater to this young population, the job market is becoming increasingly dynamic and generating a higher number and more creative range of employment opportunities. More than 364,000 Saudi citizens entered the workforce for the first time last year. A major asset of the Saudi youth is its entrepreneurial spirit. The Kingdom has seen a 200 percent surge in startups and innovative enterprises across various sectors, from artificial intelligence and fintech to food and beverage. This young demographic brings fresh ideas, digital savviness and a strong risk appetite, which are key ingredients for building a vibrant and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem. This trend was confirmed when the Kingdom was last week named Startup Ecosystem Country of the Year by startup research platform StartupBlink. This growth is supported by national initiatives like Saudi Unicorns, Monsha'at and Fintech Saudi, all of which aim to empower and guide young Saudis with innovative business ideas. Instead of relying solely on traditional employment, many young people are now creating jobs themselves, transforming the Kingdom's demographic advantage into sustainable economic opportunities. The young population is increasingly cosmopolitan, aware of global trends and receptive to societal change Zaid M. Belbagi As Saudi Arabia is turning into a country of the youth, for the youth and led by the youth, the biggest changes are those of mindset and vision. The young population is increasingly cosmopolitan, aware of global trends and receptive to societal change. The expansion of sectors such as entertainment, music and cinema is indicative of this transition. The Saudi youth is seeking cultural and recreational experiences that have driven the demand for concerts, film festivals and youth summits. As such, Saudi Arabia established the General Entertainment Authority and allocated more than $2 billion to support its development. Under the leadership of the crown prince, Vision 2030 has successfully captured the youth's potential to lead this change. It is clear that the youth-led Saudi demographic is driving economic activity and cultural change in the Kingdom. The government must consider this shift in its policies. Prioritizing world-class education, training and skill-building is essential, including building partnerships with international universities. Sectors like advertising, sports, entertainment and culture will also become increasingly important, as they align with the interests and energy of a rising young population. Investing in youth is key for the future of Saudi Arabia, as the youth of today is the leadership of tomorrow.
