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Saudi Arabia Achieves Self-Sufficiency in Figs

Saudi Arabia Achieves Self-Sufficiency in Figs
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Saudi Arabia Achieves Self-Sufficiency in Figs

Saudi Arabia Achieves Self-Sufficiency in Figs

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) declared on Sunday that the Kingdom has achieved total self-sufficiency in fig production, with annual output exceeding 28,000 tons on 1,421 hectares of cultivated land.

According to the ministry, the Jazan region leads fig production with 9,906 tons per year, followed by Riyadh with 8,010 tons, Aseer with 3,970 tons, Makkah with 1,635 tons, and several other regions that contribute smaller yet significant amounts.

The fig production season is from February to November. MEWA is working to increase the production, processing, and marketing of figs through the sustainable agricultural rural development program, by exploiting and investing in the available opportunities and resources and taking advantage of the natural resources and agricultural potential of different regions.

Figs are considered healthy, versatile fruits rich in nutrients. They are said to have benefits, like helping prevent Alzheimer's disease, regulate blood pressure, and strengthen bones.

The ministry advises consuming locally grown seasonal produce to maximize nutritional value.

The fig harvest season campaign aims to raise awareness about the Kingdom's diverse fruit options and to support farmers by improving marketing and distribution.

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Saudi Vision Drives Localization, Reduces Unemployment to 7%

A glimpse of a recent job fair held in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of a recent job fair held in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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20
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Saudi Vision Drives Localization, Reduces Unemployment to 7%

A glimpse of a recent job fair held in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of a recent job fair held in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Since the launch of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in 2016, the Kingdom has focused on a clear goal: building a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing its dependence on oil, and investing in the potential of its citizens.

Nearly nine years of continuous effort later, the results today reflect a new reality, showcasing the success of Vision 2030 in transforming ambitions into tangible achievements, particularly in the labor market and the empowerment of national talent.

Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate for nationals has dropped to its lowest level, registering 7% in 2024, achieving the Vision 2030 target ahead of schedule. This marks a significant achievement, considering that tackling unemployment was one of the strategic document's top priorities.

The sharp decline is largely attributed to a substantial rise in Saudi women's participation in the labor market, which reached 36%, driven by a series of social and economic reforms. These initiatives have reshaped the role of women in development, opening vast opportunities in education, the workforce, and leadership positions.

Vision 2030 initially aimed to raise women's labor force participation to 30% by 2030. With this target already surpassed a decade early, the goal has now been revised to 40% by 2030, reflecting the effectiveness of national policies in enhancing workforce localization and leveraging Saudi talent.

Historically, Saudi Arabia's labor market has been heavily reliant on the public sector. However, Vision 2030 has driven a shift toward the private sector, with the number of Saudi nationals employed there rising from 1.7 million in 2020 to over 2.4 million in 2024.

In 2024 alone, 437,000 citizens were hired in the private sector, supported by more than 7.5 billion riyals ($1.9 billion) from the Human Resources Development Fund for training, qualification, and career guidance programs. This reflects the government's commitment to preparing a generation capable of adapting to the demands of the evolving job market.

These figures are not only significant in statistical terms, but also serve as a clear indicator of the fundamental transformation driven by Vision 2030 in the national economy. The vision has made empowerment, diversity, and sustainability key pillars in Saudi Arabia's path toward the future.