Saudi Arabia marks 10 years of Vision 2030 with record employment and stronger workforce participation

Saudi Arabia says its Vision 2030 transformation programme has delivered significant progress across employment, housing, healthcare and tourism nearly a decade after its launch.

The latest Vision 2030 Annual Report shows that many national targets have already been achieved ahead of schedule. The government says sustained reforms have helped diversify the economy while improving the quality of life for citizens and residents.

Launched in April 2016 under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Vision 2030 aims to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and create a more diversified, knowledge-based economy.

The report suggests the Kingdom has made measurable progress across the labour market, healthcare, education, sport, culture and tourism.

Private-sector employment reaches a record high

The labour market remains one of Vision 2030’s strongest success stories.

Private-sector employment among Saudi nationals has increased to 2.6 million, up from 1.7 million in 2020.

At the same time, national unemployment has fallen to 7.2 per cent, compared with 12.3 per cent in 2016.

Small and medium-sized enterprises now employ 8.88 million people, exceeding the 2025 target of 7.55 million workers.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to improve workforce inclusion.

Female labour force participation has reached 35 per cent, compared with 22.8 per cent before Vision 2030 began. The Kingdom is now approaching its 2030 target of 40 per cent.

Women also hold 43.9 per cent of middle and senior management positions, reflecting broader efforts to expand leadership opportunities.

In addition, employment among people with disabilities who are able to work has reached 14.7 per cent, surpassing the interim target of 13.4 per cent.

Volunteer participation has also expanded rapidly. More than 1.74 million volunteers now contribute across the Kingdom, exceeding the Vision 2030 target of one million volunteers five years ahead of schedule.

Homeownership and skills development continue to improve

Housing remains another major focus of the national transformation programme.

Saudi Arabia’s homeownership rate has climbed to 66.24 per cent, exceeding the government’s 2025 target of 65 per cent.

The increase follows measures to expand housing supply, improve mortgage financing and support first-time buyers.

At the same time, education reforms are helping graduates enter the workforce more quickly.

Today, 47.41 per cent of technical and vocational education graduates secure employment within six months of graduation. Before the reforms, that figure stood at just 13.9 per cent.

The report also highlights stronger collaboration between universities and employers. More than 90 university partnership programmes have now been developed through the MicroX initiative.

Healthcare outcomes move closer to Vision 2030 targets

Saudi Arabia has also reported improvements across several public health indicators.

Average life expectancy reached 79.7 years in 2024, placing the Kingdom close to its Vision 2030 target of 80 years.

Healthcare services now cover 97.5 per cent of population clusters, exceeding the interim target.

Furthermore, the number of nurses has increased to 863.4 per 100,000 people, compared with 581.6 in 2019.

Preventive healthcare has also strengthened.

Deaths linked to infectious diseases have fallen by 50 per cent, while deaths from chronic diseases have dropped by 40 per cent, according to the report.

Meanwhile, 70 per cent of cancer cases are now detected during the early stages of the disease.

The report also points to healthier lifestyles. Nearly 59.1 per cent of adults now complete at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.

Tourism, sport and culture continue rapid expansion

Vision 2030 has also reshaped Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment sectors.

The Kingdom continues preparations to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, while the Saudi Pro League has attracted several international football stars.

Riyadh also hosted the 2025 Esports World Cup, where ticket sales increased by 53 per cent and attendance exceeded three million visitors.

Community participation in sport has expanded alongside elite competition.

Saudi Arabia now has 133 multi-sport clubs, compared with just nine clubs in 2019.

Women’s participation has also increased significantly. Around 15,000 women took part in the Riyadh Marathon, up from approximately 3,500 participants previously.

Tourism growth has been supported by the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, the launch of JAX Film Studios, the expansion of the tourist e-visa programme and the recognition of 17 restaurants in the Michelin Guide.

Religious tourism and heritage preservation gather momentum

Saudi Arabia has also expanded its religious tourism strategy while protecting its cultural heritage.

The Kingdom has achieved its Vision 2030 target of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

International Umrah arrivals reached 18.03 million pilgrims in 2025, exceeding the interim target of 15 million visitors.

Meanwhile, the Makkah Route Initiative served 1.2 million pilgrims, up from just 1,600 travellers in 2017.

The number of developed Islamic historical and cultural sites has also increased from five to 18 locations.

Vision 2030 enters its next phase

The Vision 2030 Annual Report states that the programme’s next phase will focus on sustaining economic diversification while expanding opportunities for citizens and residents.

It also aims to strengthen wellbeing, improve workforce participation and continue building a more competitive economy.

The report states: “The next phase of Vision 2030 will focus on sustaining social progress, expanding opportunity, enhancing wellbeing and ensuring citizens and residents continue to benefit from the Kingdom’s transformation.”