Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a global investment destination, focusing not only on its economic resources but increasingly on developing skilled human capital.
At the Human Capability Initiative in Riyadh, the Minister of Investment emphasized a shift from relying on natural resources to prioritizing talent as the key driver of investment. He explained that investment and education should support each other, creating a cycle where skilled workers attract more investment, which in turn boosts workforce development.
This strategy aligns with the country’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and build a knowledge-based future. The minister highlighted significant progress, noting foreign direct investment flows have quadrupled over the past decade, employment in foreign-backed companies has grown by 40 percent, and the number of regional headquarters has soared from five to over 600.
He stressed that Saudi Arabia is now recognized globally for its business environment and growing talent pool. The nation is increasingly seen as a destination for investment, capital, and skilled professionals.
Developing human skills remains central to the national investment strategy. The country is attracting international educational institutions, as seen with a recent investment license granted to a US university. The minister also called for lifelong learning and personal development beyond traditional education, citing global training programs as examples.
Character-building and adaptability were highlighted as essential traits for the modern workforce, with career mobility across sectors and borders becoming more common. The Human Capability Initiative 2025 event brought together leaders from around the world to discuss the future of skills and workforce development, underlining Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continuous learning and economic transformation.