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KSA: Increase in Participation Rate, Unemployment Stable

Saudi General Authority for Statistics Logo
Saudi General Authority for Statistics Logo
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KSA: Increase in Participation Rate, Unemployment Stable

Saudi General Authority for Statistics Logo
Saudi General Authority for Statistics Logo

Saudi General Authority for Statistics released its Labor Market Bulletin for the fourth quarter of 2017, which provides comprehensive data and indicators on the Saudi labor market. The data of the bulletin are taken from the labor force survey conducted on a quarterly basis, and from the administrative records of some relevant entities, such as Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center.

The results of the third quarter, 2017 showed an increase in the economic participation of Saudis of 15 years and older as it reached 41.9 percent compared to 40.7 percent in the previous quarter with an increase of 1.2 percent.

The results indicated that the economic participation of Saudi females has increased by 19.4 percent compared to 17.8 percent, whereas, participation of Saudi males has increased by 63.4 percent compared to 62.6 percent.

However, the results demonstrated a stability in the unemployment rate of the Saudi population at 12.8 percent, the unemployment rate of all population, Saudis and non-Saudis, reached 6.0 percent with an increase of 0.2 percent compared to the previous quarter.

The unemployment rate of Saudi females declined to 31.0 percent compared to 32.7 percent, while male unemployment rate registered an increase of 7.5 percent compared to 7.4 percent.

Moreover, the results showed an 11.8 percent decline in the numbers of Saudi job seekers during the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In contrast, the numbers of Saudi employed persons have increased by 3.3 percent.

General Authority for Statistics' spokesman Taiseer al-Mofarrej explained that when comparing the unemployment rate of total population, Saudis or not, in Saudi Arabia, which registered 6 percent in this quarter, with the unemployment rates of G20, Saudi Arabia is in the average rate, as ten countries including Saudi Arabia have registered rates ranging between 4 percent and 7 percent.

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Business

Tourism Projects Worth $9 Billion Being Implemented in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Tourism Projects Worth $9 Billion Being Implemented in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Eastern Province is expected to witness the implementation of more than 650 tourism projects valued at over SAR12.7 billion (approximately $3.39 billion).

With the addition of investments in new projects exceeding SAR21 billion ($5.6 billion), total tourism investments amount to around SAR33.7 billion (nearly $9 billion), reflecting a growth in the sector.

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said tourism investments in the region are experiencing qualitative growth, adding that the Eastern Province enjoys competitive advantages that make it attractive for tourism investment.

The minister said the region has achieved positive results in sector performance, welcoming more than 13.4 million tourists whose spending exceeded SAR18.5 billion ($4.9 billion), underscoring the rising demand for tourism services.

Tourism Diversity

Al-Khateeb revealed that more than 650 approved tourism projects would contribute to improved tourism, in addition to strengthening partnerships and supporting private sector participation. This, he said, reflects the rapid growth pace and the achievements that the tourism sector in the Eastern Province has witnessed.

High-quality projects in the region enhance competitiveness, supported by the Tourism Development Fund, said Al-Khateeb. These projects contribute to improving quality of life and offering integrated visitor experiences, reinforcing the region’s position as a leading tourist destination on the Arabian Gulf coast, he added.

The minister met with Eastern Province’s tourism employees, who briefed him on promising opportunities and made proposals aimed at developing career paths for workers in the sector.

Al Khobar Season

Al Khobar Season 2025 has achieved remarkable success since its launch, featuring a seasonal program spanning nearly 90 days. Supported by the Sharqia Development Authority and the Saudi Tourism Authority, the season hosted events across more than 20 locations, attracting over one million visitors and involving more than 50 partners from the private sector.

Al Khobar Season enhances the Eastern Province’s status as a major tourism and entertainment destination through experiences that blend entertainment, culture, arts, and sports. This contributes to improving quality of life, achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and developing the tourism sector.

Business

Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Trade Mission to Syria, Iraq 

Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)
Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)
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Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Trade Mission to Syria, Iraq 

Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)
Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)

The Saudi Exports Development Authority (SAUDI EXPORTS) organized a trade mission for Iraq and Syria in conjunction with the Made in Saudi Expo 2025 in Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The missions involved 87 Saudi exporters and 32 importing companies, representing key sectors including construction, food products, medical supplies, and packaging industries.

A series of business-matching meetings were held to explore opportunities for cooperation and trade partnerships.

The meetings and bilateral discussions held alongside the exhibition resulted in the signing of seven trade agreements, reflecting the quality and competitiveness of Saudi products.

This was followed by an orientation tour for the visiting trade delegation of the Saudi companies’ pavilions to explore the latest national innovations and products.

Business

Modi Invites Jordanian Companies to Invest in India

Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)
Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)
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Modi Invites Jordanian Companies to Invest in India

Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)
Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invited Jordanian companies to invest in India, saying they can look forward to good returns on their investments as the country is growing at over 8%.

Speaking at the India-Jordan Business Forum meet here, Modi said India is soon going to become the third-largest economy in the world, and presents opportunities for Jordanian companies to become part of the growth story, according to news agency Press Trust of India.

The PM said his country’s high GDP numbers are due to productivity-driven governance and innovation-led growth policies.

Modi also said numbers are important in the universe of business, but he has come to Jordan to build a long-term relationship between the two nations.

“The relationship between India and Jordan is one where historical trust and future economic opportunities come together,” he noted.

India is growing at a fast pace, and new doors of opportunities are opening for Jordanian companies as well, the PM added.

“You (Jordan) can become a partner in India's high growth and earn good returns on your investments,” Modi said.

Indian companies in Jordan can manufacture medicines and medical devices. This will benefit the people of Jordan, and the country can also become a reliable hub for West Asia and Africa, he said.

While highlighting potential sectors of bilateral cooperation, Modi said India has a lot of experience in farming in dry climates.

“This experience of ours can make a real difference in Jordan. We can work on solutions like precision farming and micro-irrigation. We can also collaborate on building cold chains, food parks, and storage facilities,” he added.

Modi arrived in Jordan's capital, Amman, on Monday on a two-day visit at the invitation of King Abdullah II. Jordan is the first leg of the Prime Minister's four-day, three-nation tour, which will also take him to Ethiopia and Oman.