Saudi Labor Market to Witness Radical Reforms

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is committed to implementing radical reforms in the labor market in both the public and private sectors (Asharq Al-Awsat).
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is committed to implementing radical reforms in the labor market in both the public and private sectors (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Saudi Labor Market to Witness Radical Reforms

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is committed to implementing radical reforms in the labor market in both the public and private sectors (Asharq Al-Awsat).
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is committed to implementing radical reforms in the labor market in both the public and private sectors (Asharq Al-Awsat).

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development underlined its commitment to implement radical reforms in the labor market in both the public and private sectors. Those reforms, according to the ministry, include a set of initiatives that would increase economic participation, raise skills and productivity and improve market efficiency, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, the ministry said that the reforms aim to support the development of existing systems and regulations, thus contributing to reforming the labor market and providing the appropriate legislative environment for the private sector, increasing its growth and creating an appropriate work environment that motivates the workers.

“The Saudi labor market has witnessed in recent years an escalating and continuous development, which reflects the leadership’s determination to support this sector as the backbone of the economy. Moreover, the Kingdom is witnessing an influx of huge investments, which requires keeping pace with the development by benefiting from the experiences of other countries, to reach the aspired goals under the leadership of the Saudi Crown Prince,” a former member of the Council of Saudi Chambers, Abdullah Al-Meleihi, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Al-Meleihi added that the proposed amendments aim to improve the work environment, raise efficiency and maximize competitiveness to meet the requirements of the new leading projects, including The Line and NEOM.

Consultant and professor of law at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, Dr. Osama Al-Obaidi, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the draft amendment of the labor system aims to improve the business environment, reform the labor market, and provide an appropriate legal and regulatory framework for the development of the private sector, as well as supporting women’s participation.

Al-Obaidi stated that reducing the percentage of required nationalization for companies would help curb the costs and increase profits, thus boost economic growth.

The amendments will also lead to an increase in the localization of jobs by reducing the weekly working hours to 40 hours instead of 48 hours and adjusting the working hours in Ramadan to 30 hours per week instead of 36 hours, according to Al-Obaidi.

For his part, Economist Dr. Khalil Khoja told Asharq Al-Awsat that the package of amendments, proposals, procedures and initiatives recently launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development would enhance the digital economy

“The amendments cannot be separated from the Kingdom’s plan to provide decent job opportunities for citizens by intensifying rehabilitation and training programs that aim to produce qualified and professional cadres,” he emphasized.



Saudi ROSHN Group Reveals Rebranding

A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)
A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)
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Saudi ROSHN Group Reveals Rebranding

A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)
A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)

ROSHN Group, a pioneering real estate developer backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has introduced on Sunday a new identity and strategic focus that expands its remit to include asset classes beyond its core residential offering.
This transformation into a multi-asset developer cements ROSHN's status as a trailblazer in the real estate sector and sets the stage for an innovative approach to developing mixed-use projects and multi-asset destinations, the Group said in a statement.
It said the launch of ROSHN Group’s fresh visual identity signifies a milestone in its commitment to broadening its real estate portfolio and establishing integrated destinations that cater to society’s diverse needs.
The new portfolio will encompass ROSHN’s core asset classes of 200 million square meters of residential property, alongside over four million square meters of gross leasable area across retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors.
Its enabling assets will include education, mosques, and healthcare, while opportunity assets span transport and logistics, including warehouses, industrial parks, and knowledge hubs, as well as leisure and entertainment, ranging from entertainment centers to fitness hubs.
These projects will showcase an exceptional diversity of assets, creating investment opportunities, elevating living standards, and driving economic growth, the Group said.
“Our growing portfolio now seamlessly integrates forward-thinking amenities and elevated connectivity, fostering opportunities for commercial partnerships, job creation, investment, and economic growth in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030,” said Chief Marketing and Communication Officer Ghada Al Rumayan of ROSHN Group.
She added, “With our own evolution, this vision becomes even more tangible as we introduce our expanded approach and dedication to improving quality of life through iconic new destinations across the Kingdom.”
Al Rumayan said that ROSHN takes pride in its role as a leading real estate developer in the Kingdom with a vision to transform urban living.