Saudi Arabia Begins Localization of Education Sector Jobs

Saudization of education jobs in the public and private sectors, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudization of education jobs in the public and private sectors, Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Arabia Begins Localization of Education Sector Jobs

Saudization of education jobs in the public and private sectors, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudization of education jobs in the public and private sectors, Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia started on Wednesday the first phase of localization of educational jobs in private schools and international schools for boys and girls.

This aligns with the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi’s decision last May.

According to Al-Rajhi’s decision, the Kingdom aims to Saudize a specific percentage of jobs and to create 28,000 jobs for Saudis in a number of subjects in various phases of public education.

Saudization will be implemented in specific proportions over several phases within a span of the coming three years.

The first phase of Saudization in the international schools covers specializations like the Arabic language, national identity, Islamic studies, social studies, art education, and physical education.

The decision also aims to increase Saudization rates in private schools in all disciplines, including mathematics, physics, biology, science, and computer.

The ministerial decision stipulated a grace period from the date of its issuance until the date of implementation of the decision in each phase. During the grace period, the establishment can work to achieve its targeted Saudization rates.

A package of incentives and support will be provided to these establishments as part of supporting private sector establishments in employing Saudis.

According to the procedural guide for Saudization of private education, the Saudization percentage of one teacher will be calculated if his/her monthly wage registered in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is not less than SAR 5,000 for a bachelor’s degree holder or its equivalent qualification.

Teachers receiving a wage less than SAR 5,000 will not be counted in the Saudization percentage.

The decision aims to create 28,000 educational jobs for the sons and daughters of the country in private schools and international schools during the next three years.

This decision comes in line with the ministry’s plan to Saudize and boost opportunities available to Saudi men and women participating in the labor market and thus contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP).



Trump Uncertainties Push Safe-haven Gold to Near all-time Highs

FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
TT

Trump Uncertainties Push Safe-haven Gold to Near all-time Highs

FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo

Gold prices soared to near three-month highs on Wednesday, trading below its record peak, fuelled by a soft dollar and lack of clarity around US President Donald Trump's policy plans, which investors fear could trigger trade wars and elevate market volatility.

Spot gold added 0.3% to $2,753.79 per ounce as of 9:45 a.m. ET (1445 GMT). Prices were at their highest since Oct. 31 when they hit their all-time-high of $2,790.15.

US gold futures gained 0.2% to $2,764.80.

The dollar index dipped to a more-than-three-week low, making greenback-priced bullion less expensive for holders of other currencies, Reuters reported.

"There are uncertainties with proposed tariffs and other things, and gold typically does well when there's a large or even a moderate amount of uncertainty in the market, it's a natural place where people gravitate to," said Ryan McIntyre, Senior Portfolio Manager at Sprott Asset Management.

Trump said his administration was discussing imposing a 10% tariff on goods imported from China on Feb. 1, the same day that he previously said Mexico and Canada could face levies of around 25%.

Gold is often viewed as a haven during times of economic and geopolitical turmoil, but Trump's proposed policies are broadly regarded as inflationary, potentially compelling the US Federal Reserve to sustain elevated interest rates for an extended period to rein in rising price pressures.

Trump has not provided many details about his proposed tariffs, making investors question the aggressiveness of the move, and the depth of its potential impacts.

"(Trump) has been perhaps just a shade less hawkish on tariffs as feared which helps - less/lower tariffs is taken to indicate lower inflation hence potential for more rate cuts," said Tai Wong, an independent metals trader.

Spot silver fell 0.6% to $30.68, but hovered near a one-month high hit on Jan. 16.

Platinum rose 0.3% to $946.50 and palladium gained 1.9% to $975.27.