Saudi Arabia’s national unemployment rate dropped to 7 percent in the last quarter, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand job opportunities as part of Vision 2030. Official statistics show a modest rise in the employment-to-population ratio, while overall labor force participation saw a slight decline.
According to recent survey data, the combined unemployment rate for Saudis and non-Saudis fell to 3.5 percent, down slightly from the previous quarter, but up marginally compared to last year. The labor force participation rate for all residents edged down to 66.4 percent, continuing a gradual downward trend.
Among Saudis, the employment-to-population ratio increased to 47.5 percent, with a year-on-year gain. However, labor force participation among nationals decreased to 51.1 percent, though it remained higher than the previous year.
Gender-specific trends reveal that Saudi women’s labor force participation dipped to 36 percent, but their employment-to-population ratio improved and unemployment rate fell to 11.9 percent. In contrast, Saudi men saw declines in both participation and employment ratios, while their unemployment rate also decreased, reaching 4.3 percent.
Youth employment data indicates that the share of working Saudi female youth grew to 13.9 percent, while male youth employment remained stable. Unemployment among Saudi youth dropped to 12.2 percent, signaling progress in this demographic.
For Saudis aged 25 to 54, employment rates edged up to 64.9 percent, although fewer participated in the labor force. Unemployment in this core age group improved, falling to 6.2 percent. Older Saudis experienced declines in both job participation and unemployment rates.
The report also highlights that Saudi job seekers actively use multiple methods to find work, averaging five strategies each. Asking friends or relatives is the most common, followed by direct applications to employers and use of the national job platform Jadarat.
Most unemployed Saudis are willing to work in the private sector, with many prepared to commute over an hour or work longer hours. These trends reflect a workforce increasingly open to varied employment opportunities.