Riyadh to Host Human Resources and Manpower Forum

People attend a previous edition of the Human Resources and Manpower Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
People attend a previous edition of the Human Resources and Manpower Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh to Host Human Resources and Manpower Forum

People attend a previous edition of the Human Resources and Manpower Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
People attend a previous edition of the Human Resources and Manpower Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi capital will host the sixth edition of the Human Resources and Manpower Forum and Exhibition from Oct. 27-30, featuring participation from the largest human resources and recruitment companies in the Kingdom, along with a wide international presence from 16 European, Asian, and African countries.

The annual forum is unique in the Middle East and highlights the centrality and role of human resources in various development sectors. It also reflects Riyadh’s growing status as a hub for distinguished events and exhibitions, further emphasized by the Kingdom’s successful bid to host Expo 2030.

The forum will see participation from various diplomatic missions and foreign ambassadors in the Kingdom, serving as an annual platform that brings together leading companies in the human resources and workforce sectors, both locally and globally, with HR officials from different entities, specialties, and business sectors, including domestic work.

Saudi Arabia ranks high among the most attractive countries for human capital across various fields and has made significant progress in making its labor market more appealing, particularly with the initiatives, programs, and regulations aimed at raising quality and improving services.

The forum will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, welcoming visitors daily from 12 PM to 10 PM.



Inflation in Saudi Arabia Reaches 1.7% in September amid Rising Housing Costs

Food and beverage prices rose by 0.8% (SPA)
Food and beverage prices rose by 0.8% (SPA)
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Inflation in Saudi Arabia Reaches 1.7% in September amid Rising Housing Costs

Food and beverage prices rose by 0.8% (SPA)
Food and beverage prices rose by 0.8% (SPA)

The inflation rate in Saudi Arabia recorded 1.7% in September on a year-on-year basis, rising from 1.6% in July, with housing rents once again acting as the main driver.

According to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on Tuesday, housing rents overall increased by 11.2% in September, with apartment rental prices rising by 10%. This contributed to the overall increase in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel categories, which collectively jumped by 9.3%.

Rising rental prices have been the main driver of inflation in Saudi Arabia for most of this year. This comes as housing prices in the Kingdom are being fueled by limited property supply, alongside population growth and the influx of expatriates seeking housing in the Kingdom.

Food and beverage prices rose by 0.8%, while the restaurant and hotel sector increased by 1.7%, driven by a 1.5% rise in catering services. The education sector also saw a 1.6% increase, primarily due to a 3.8% rise in middle and secondary school tuition fees.

On the other hand, transport prices fell by 3.3%, benefiting from a 4.5% drop in vehicle purchase costs. Home furnishings and equipment prices decreased by 3.7%, influenced by a 7% decline in the prices of furniture and carpets, and a 3.2% drop in clothing and footwear.

On a monthly basis, inflation rose by 0.1%, driven by a 0.6% increase in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel prices. Food and beverage prices increased by 0.3% compared to August, while transport prices fell by 0.4%.