Saudi Labor Market Records Highest Citizen Participation in Private Sector

Self-service job search devices in the Saudi job market (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Self-service job search devices in the Saudi job market (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Labor Market Records Highest Citizen Participation in Private Sector

Self-service job search devices in the Saudi job market (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Self-service job search devices in the Saudi job market (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The number of Saudi nationals in the private sector rose to 2.2 million in the second quarter of 2023.

With the close of last September, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) revealed a decrease in the unemployment rate among Saudis in the second quarter of 2023, dropping from 9.7% to 8.3%, compared to the same period last year.

This figure approaches the government’s targets in Vision 2030, which are set at 7%.

On Monday, the National Labor Observatory, a part of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), disclosed that the total growth in the number of Saudi workers in comparison to the same quarter of 2022 reached approximately 210,000 employees, with an average growth of 42,000 employees per quarter until the end of the second quarter of 2023.

The expansion in the number of citizen workers in the private sector can be attributed to the positive economic growth witnessed in the Saudi economy.

This growth has contributed to increasing the overall labor market size, strengthening demand for labor, and boosting productivity rates in the market.

The Observatory released a report on Saudization for the second quarter of the current year, which reviews changes in the labor market and job localization rates in private sector establishments.

The report showed that the number of Saudi employees recorded the most significant increase for both genders, with males standing at 1.3 million, compared to about 900,000 females, bringing the total Saudization rate to 22.3%

The Eastern Province took the lead, recording the highest Saudization rate of 27 percent, followed by Makkah at 24 percent and Riyadh and Madinah at 21 percent each.

The information and communications sector also achieved a strong participation rate for male citizens, reaching 60%, while education achieved the highest engagement of female citizens at 53%.



Saudi Minister of Industry: Geological Survey Authority to Play Key Role in Mining Over Next 25 Years

Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
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Saudi Minister of Industry: Geological Survey Authority to Play Key Role in Mining Over Next 25 Years

Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)

Saudi Arabia’s Geological Survey Authority plays a vital role in uncovering the earth’s reserves of metals such as gold, zinc, and copper. According to Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, this role is set to expand significantly in the next 25 years as the Authority becomes central to advancing the mining sector.

Alkhorayef emphasized the commitment to continuing geological survey and exploration projects, providing critical data to investors. He highlighted initiatives launched by the Authority to transform the mining sector into the third pillar of the national economy.

The minister was speaking during a ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Geological Survey Authority. The event, held under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Province, was inaugurated by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the region, in the presence of senior officials and distinguished guests.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Alkhorayef noted the significant influx of investment in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector.

“There is now a large number of investment applications in the mining sector. We are collaborating with other government entities to ensure site allocations for investors,” he said.

He added that new agreements are being signed daily, both for expansions by existing investors and for new entrants to the sector.

The data obtained from geological surveys and the Authority’s digital platform has positioned Saudi Arabia as a prime destination for mining investments,’ he stressed.

“The results we achieve through geological surveys and accurate data collection make Saudi Arabia a key focus for companies seeking to expand in the mining sector to secure future resource supplies,” added Alkhorayef.

He also underscored efforts to verify data through additional sampling and by concentrating on areas with the richest deposits, which enhances the credibility of Saudi mining data globally.

Saudi Arabia has implemented extensive geological survey projects, covering over 85% of the country’s territory through advanced geophysical and geochemical techniques.

Alkhorayef highlighted the General Geological Survey Program and the initiative to build a National Geological Data Repository. These efforts have increased the estimated value of the Kingdom’s untapped mineral resources from SAR 4.9 trillion in 2016 to SAR 9.4 trillion at the beginning of 2024.

At the ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Makkah Province unveiled the Saudi Geological Survey Authority’s new logo, reflecting its geological identity and ongoing efforts to map the Kingdom’s resources while promoting cultural and environmental awareness. The event also included recognition for the Authority’s founding committee members and ceremony sponsors.

Alkhorayef noted that the Authority has completed more than 500 specialized projects across various earth science fields. These include geological mapping at various scales, mineral exploration, geophysical, geochemical, and marine surveys, geological hazard monitoring and mitigation, and mining research and studies.

He pointed to the Authority’s emphasis on developing its human resources, recognizing that their dedication and expertise have been pivotal to its success and to earning widespread acclaim for its accomplishments.

In his remarks marking the Authority’s 25th anniversary, Alkhorayef acknowledged the significant national efforts in exploring mineral wealth over the past quarter-century.

These efforts have led to major discoveries that have positively impacted multiple sectors, he said, adding that discoveries of key minerals like phosphate, potassium, gold, and silver, as well as strategic mineral reserves, have bolstered investments and spurred the growth of the mining sector.