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Saudi Malls, Supermarkets, Restaurants Told to Increase Hiring of Saudi Nationals

Makkah Mall, one of the shopping malls operated by Arabian Centers, is pictured in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, April 17, 2019. (Reuters)
Makkah Mall, one of the shopping malls operated by Arabian Centers, is pictured in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, April 17, 2019. (Reuters)
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Saudi Malls, Supermarkets, Restaurants Told to Increase Hiring of Saudi Nationals

Makkah Mall, one of the shopping malls operated by Arabian Centers, is pictured in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, April 17, 2019. (Reuters)
Makkah Mall, one of the shopping malls operated by Arabian Centers, is pictured in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, April 17, 2019. (Reuters)

Malls, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes in Saudi Arabia must increase their percentage of local hires, the Kingdom’s ministry of human resources and social development announced on Wednesday.

A set of three decisions announced by Minister Ahmed bin Suleiman al-Rajhi was expected to provide 51,000 jobs for Saudi men and women, state news agency SPA reported. The move is part of a wider governmental push to replace expatriate workers with Saudi citizens.

The first decision would limit only Saudis to work in malls and mall management offices, “with the exception of a limited number of activities and professions in these malls.”

Supermarkets, restaurants and cafes would have to increase the number of Saudi citizens on payroll, in keeping with ministry issued guidelines.

Penalties would be issued to commercial establishments that violate the new ordinances, according to SPA, the rules of which would be made available on the ministry website.

Unemployment among Saudi citizens fell to 12.6% in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 14.9% in the third quarter, official data from the world’s biggest oil exporter showed on Wednesday.

The government has been pushing through economic reforms since 2016 to create millions of jobs and reduce unemployment to 7% by 2030. The plans were disrupted by the coronavirus crisis, which sent oil prices plummeting last year.

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Saudi Arabia World Leader in Road Network Connectivity

The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia World Leader in Road Network Connectivity

The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Road Safety and Sustainability Conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow”. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in road network connectivity and has made significant strides, advancing to fourth place in road quality among G20 nations. These achievements are part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, which have contributed to a nearly 50% reduction in traffic fatalities.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, announced these figures on Sunday, during his opening remarks at the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow,” attended by over 1,000 experts from 50 countries.
Al-Jasser highlighted that the Kingdom has implemented numerous initiatives to maintain the safety and quality of its road network. These include “the adoption of performance-based contracts to ensure transparency, optimize spending, and improve quality and service standards,” all in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030.
At a press conference on the sidelines of the event, acting CEO of the General Roads Authority, Eng. Badr Aldulami, shared that the Ministry of Transport oversees more than 75,000 kilometers of roads, while the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs is responsible for over 115,000 kilometers, totaling nearly 200,000 kilometers designed to meet the highest standards in execution, quality, and safety.
For his part, Eng. Abdullah Al-Mogbel, honorary president of the International Road Federation, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s longstanding partnership with the federation, which includes over 119 member countries. He noted that the Kingdom has co-organized five conferences with the federation, all focused on improving road safety, maintenance, and performance.
The General Authority for Roads’ spokesperson, Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, noted that road fatalities have decreased from approximately 28 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 13 currently, with a target of reducing this to 5 by 2030. This progress has been achieved by adopting advanced technologies, methodologies, and large-scale projects, including the use of a global AI-powered fleet to survey the entire road network, assessing factors such as cracks, skid resistance, and road strength.
He further noted that the Kingdom aims to preserve the environment through asphalt recycling technologies, which have cut maintenance time by up to 40% and reduced carbon emissions.
The conference, spanning two days, will feature over 130 scientific papers and showcase approximately 27 innovations and modern technologies, focusing on innovative transportation solutions and government policies aimed at reducing emissions and seamlessly integrating green infrastructure to enhance road safety. The event also includes an exhibition featuring 20 entities showcasing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, intelligent transport systems, and sustainable transportation.