Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) supported the employment of 329,000 Saudi citizens in the local labour market during the first half of 2026.
The figure marks a 23% increase from the same period in 2025. It also highlights the Fund’s growing role in supporting Saudi employment and workforce development.
The latest figures support the Kingdom’s localisation goals under Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program.
HADAF disburses SR4.9 billion in H1 2026
HADAF disbursed around SR4.9 billion in direct support during the first half of 2026.
The funding went to individuals and establishments benefiting from the Fund’s programmes and products.
Meanwhile, more than 1.69 million Saudi citizens benefited from HADAF’s services and programmes during the period.
The number of participating establishments also rose. More than 171,000 establishments benefited from HADAF services across Saudi Arabia.
That represents a 25% increase compared with the first half of 2025.
MSMEs account for 95% of HADAF beneficiaries
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) made up 95% of the establishments that benefited from HADAF services.
The strong participation of smaller businesses reflects the Fund’s focus on helping employers attract and develop Saudi talent.
It also supports job creation and private-sector growth across different regions and economic sectors.
HADAF provides training, empowerment and career guidance programmes. These initiatives aim to improve the readiness of Saudi workers and connect them with sustainable employment opportunities.
HADAF focuses on skills and priority sectors
HADAF is also developing programmes for priority sectors across the Saudi economy.
These programmes aim to strengthen national skills and improve the competitiveness of Saudi workers.
HADAF Director General Turki Al-Jawini said the latest results reflect the continued focus on human capital as part of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.
“The continued increase in beneficiaries and participating establishments demonstrates HADAF’s ability to respond to changing economic conditions and evolving labour market requirements.”
Al-Jawini also highlighted the Fund’s partnerships with government entities and private-sector organisations.
Through these partnerships, HADAF aims to develop more flexible support and empowerment solutions. The goal is to help Saudi citizens improve their job readiness and access sustainable employment.
Saudi Arabia advances private-sector employment
The latest figures come as Saudi Arabia continues to increase the participation of national talent in the private sector.
Workforce development and skills enhancement remain key parts of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.
HADAF said it will continue to strengthen its support and empowerment programmes. These efforts aim to improve the efficiency of national human capital and raise labour-market productivity.
The Fund also plans to support the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Labour Market Strategy.
With more Saudis entering the private-sector workforce, employment support, skills development and sustainable job creation are expected to remain central to the Kingdom’s labour-market agenda.
