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Saudi Labor Market Makes Improvements to Support Establishments, Employment

The Employment Support Program is part of government support initiatives to empower establishments and ensure their stability and business development, Asharq Al-Awsat
The Employment Support Program is part of government support initiatives to empower establishments and ensure their stability and business development, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Labor Market Makes Improvements to Support Establishments, Employment

The Employment Support Program is part of government support initiatives to empower establishments and ensure their stability and business development, Asharq Al-Awsat
The Employment Support Program is part of government support initiatives to empower establishments and ensure their stability and business development, Asharq Al-Awsat

In a move set to boost employment in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has implemented a host of new improvements to its labor market. The enhancements aim to enable and develop private sector institutions through supporting employment.

The new procedures aim to empower establishments and their continuity in the Saudi labor market, specialists told Asharq Al-Awsat. Moreover, they seek to raise employment rates by instating new controls.

On Thursday, the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) announced positive amendments to the controls of its Employment Support Program, allowing the largest number of private sector institutions to benefit from the plan.

The development and improvement of the controls of the Employment Support Program come as a continuation of HADAF’s goal to empower private sector enterprises and support the wages of Saudis working there, said HADAF Director-General Turki Al-Jawini.

Al-Jawini urged all enterprises to benefit from the Program through the National Labor Gateway (TAQAT).

For his part, Mansour Al-Shathri, head of the Human Resources and Labor Market Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the new improvements contribute to reducing unemployment rates and enable enterprises to continue in the labor market.

The Employment Support Program is part of government support initiatives to empower establishments and ensure their stability and business development, considering the current exceptional economic situations and the impacts of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Program also supports the wages of Saudis who were employed in various private sector establishments starting from 30% to 50% of the employees’ monthly wages for two years, provided that the employees’ wages range between SR 4000 and 15,000.

Establishments get 10% additional support when employing women, persons with disabilities, employing in non-major cities, and in small and medium enterprises for each of the categories mentioned, provided that the maximum support does not exceed 50% of the employee’s monthly wage, or SR 3000, whichever less.

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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia

A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia

A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.