JEDDAH: More than 52 percent of women in Saudi Arabia believe that the perception that they are not equipped with the necessary skill sets to join the workforce in the Kingdom is the biggest myth hindering their success and employment. This is according to new research from LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network with more than 546 million members.
At the same time, more than 60 percent of Saudi women and recruiters agree there is great progress and efforts in the Kingdom toward achieving Saudi Arabia’s vision to increase women’s participation in the workforce from 22 to 30 percent by 2030.
The research is part of LinkedIn’s “Hear It From Me” (Esmaaha Menni) campaign which encourages women in Saudi to showcase their skills and build their professional brand on the platform in order to be found and hired for key roles across Saudi companies, fulfilling the country’s 2030 strategy goals.
According to the research, one in two (52 percent) recruiters believe that gender equality leads to higher productivity, while 40 percent believe the key benefit of hiring men and women equally is that it advances a creative culture, indicating a willingness to provide more opportunities for women.
However, while they are ready to join the workforce, 37 percent of Saudi women believe employers still need to do more to hire them in key roles and more than a third (38 percent) find that the hardest thing about getting a job in Saudi Arabia is finding the right opportunity to match their expectations.
Looking at LinkedIn’s insights, it was noted that more than 63 percent of Saudi women members have indicated completing bachelor’s degrees, exceeding other developed countries, such as the United States which comes in at 57 percent. On the other hand, more than 17 percent have completed a master’s degree, demonstrating the efforts Saudi women are taking in equipping themselves with the necessary knowledge and skill sets. The top three fields of study for women in Saudi are business management and administration, followed by computer science and health science.
There are currently various efforts from companies and entities in the Kingdom that support gender diversity. Among them are Takamol, the government company and partner of the Ministry of Labor and social development in Saudi Arabia which directly supports women’s employment in the Kingdom.
Dr. Ahmad Al-Yamani, CEO of Takamol said: “Since the establishment of Takamol Holding, the employment of women and increasing their participation in the workforce has been a crucial priority and one of the reasons behind the success of the firm’s initiatives and projects.
“In fact, women make up 33 percent of the total number of employees at Takamol. In line with the Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to increase women’s participation in the workforce, Takamol Holding launched several programs to empower women in the Saudi workforce including Wusool, Qurrah, Tojjar, which is an electronic platform, and Bahr.
“At Takamol Holding, we will continue, through our social development partnerships, to support all initiatives and projects aligned with the Vision, which can only be achieved through the mutual cooperation of both men and women who are able to fulfill our highest ambitions and contribute to a positive economy.”
In recent months, great progress has been made in the Kingdom specifically for women to obtain leading positions in the Saudi workforce. One great example is Dr. Hayat Sindi, who was one of the first female members to join the consultative assembly of Saudi Arabia. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the UN Secretary-General as well as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador.
Commenting on the role of society to help women enter the Kingdom’s workforce, Sindi said: “Indeed, a lot is being done in Saudi Arabia to empower women. Over the coming few years, it is crucial that we continue to take positive action to increase women’s role in major industries such as science and technology. This can be achieved through making careers in these industries more accessible and attractive to women.
“We also need to continue extending our support to more women professionals to help transform them into leaders in their respective fields through providing the courses and education needed. This will help unleash women’s potential faster and would be a win for society.”
Reem Mohamed, head of public sector for KSA at LinkedIn, said: “Our main mission is to connect everyone in the global workforce with economic opportunity. Today we have around 4,500 job opportunities available in Saudi Arabia on LinkedIn and so we are encouraging professionals to use our platform to build their professional brand and as a result become more visible to potential employers and recruiters.”
She concluded: “In this new era, creating a skilled and balanced workforce can only be achieved through collaborative actions from both sides. LinkedIn’s role is to bridge the gap between employers and professionals by providing a platform where these two audiences can easily find and connect with each other. For the women who are keen to further their careers, they need to ensure they are visible to recruiters by using platforms such as LinkedIn, so they can start to change this narrative, and the Kingdom can thrive by creating a more productive and creative workforce.”
Over 52% Saudi women reject myth about their lack of employment skills
Over 52% Saudi women reject myth about their lack of employment skills
- The research is part of LinkedIn’s “Hear It From Me” (Esmaaha Menni) campaign which encourages women in Saudi to showcase their skills and build their professional brand on the platform.
- More than 63 percent of Saudi women members have completed their bachelor’s degrees, exceeding other developed countries.
How Modi’s landmark visit to Jeddah added ‘further momentum’ to historic Saudi-India ties
- Modi’s visit to Jeddah was the first by an Indian premier in over four decades, underlining a deepening partnership
- The PM’s itinerary included the second India-Saudi SPC meeting to enhance defense cooperation
JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets ahead of his touchdown in Jeddah on Tuesday, where he was greeted by a 21-gun salute in a ceremonial welcome that highlighted the growing defense ties between the two countries.
The visit marked Modi’s first to the Red Sea port city and the first by an Indian premier in more than 40 years. It was also his third visit to Saudi Arabia in a decade, highlighting deepening diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation between Riyadh and New Delhi.
“This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,” Modi posted on the social media platform X ahead of his arrival, expressing his eagerness to advance bilateral agreements and programs.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, wrote on X that the visit would “give further momentum” to “longstanding and historic ties” between Saudi Arabia and India.
Referring to the Royal Saudi Air Force escort, Jaiswal posted: “India-Saudi Arabia friendship flying high!”
Modi’s arrival was met with vibrant celebrations among the Indian diaspora — the Kingdom’s largest expatriate group. Traditional dances were performed in his honor, and Saudi singer Hashim Abbas paid tribute by singing the Hindi patriotic anthem “Ae Watan.”
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered at a hotel in Jeddah and sang “Saare Jahan Se Achha” as they awaited Modi’s arrival. One of the members of the Indian diaspora told ANI: “I am very excited to see PM Modi here. We are so grateful that we got this opportunity.”
A key part of the visit was the second meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Established in 2019, the SPC has become a vital platform for cooperation in politics, security, trade and culture.
In an interview ahead of the visit with Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News, Modi emphasized that the bond between India and Saudi Arabia “is not new.” Rather, “it is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries.
“From ideas to trade, there has been a constant flow between our two great nations,” he said. “Our relations have been on an upward trajectory since 2014.”
One of the most significant areas of growing cooperation has been defense. In recent years, India and Saudi Arabia have held joint military exercises, finalized India’s first artillery shell exports to the Kingdom and signed advanced weapons systems deals.
Officials said this week’s discussions would include expanding naval exercises and strengthening security partnerships — particularly in maritime and cybersecurity domains.
The visit came at a time when both countries are pursuing bold domestic agendas. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and India rises as a global economic force, the leaders are keen to transform longstanding cultural and economic ties into a comprehensive 21st-century partnership.
“There is much to celebrate in the remarkable transformation of bilateral ties,” journalist and foreign policy analyst C. Raja Mohan said in a recent op-ed for The Indian Express.
“The PM’s visit to Jeddah is not only about expanding bilateral relations; it also reflects Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a significant geopolitical actor under its crown prince and prime minister, Mohammed bin Salman.”
He added: “(Riyadh’s) interest-driven, rather than ideologically rigid, approach marks a fundamental shift in the evolution of the Saudi Kingdom — one that echoes the pragmatism of India’s own Middle East policy under Modi.”
Bilateral trade has continued to grow despite global economic turbulence, with energy, agriculture and fertilizers remaining key pillars. Both sides are now eying new areas of cooperation, including green hydrogen, emerging technologies and infrastructure.
Indeed, trade between the two countries surged to $52 billion in 2023-24, and officials said several memorandums of understanding would be signed during the visit to bolster both economic and political collaboration.
India’s economy is seen as being relatively less vulnerable to global headwinds, and calibrated policy support could help the country turn current volatility into an opportunity, the Reserve Bank of India said in its April bulletin released on Tuesday.
“Although the dampening global economic outlook could impact India’s economic growth through weaker external demand, the domestic growth engines ... consumption and investment, are relatively less susceptible to external headwinds,” the RBI said in its article, titled “State of the Economy.”
Saudi Arabia has long been a key energy supplier to India, with the Kingdom ranked as the country’s third largest source of petroleum, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India relies heavily on crude and refined oil imports to meet its expanding energy demands.
That partnership is also evolving in response to global energy transitions, as both countries recognize the urgency of moving toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
India announced its aim of achieving 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, outlining its intention to meet half of its energy requirements from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. The target marked a significant step beyond the country’s earlier Paris Agreement commitments and highlighted its growing role in global climate leadership.
Modi’s itinerary had included a visit to a facility employing Indian workers and a meeting with members of the Indian community. Saudi Arabia is home to 2.7 million Indian residents and workers.
The Indian leader, who in 2016 was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash, Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor, has made Gulf partnerships a cornerstone of his foreign policy.
Analysts said the visit reflected India’s broader strategy to cement alliances across West Asia, a region vital to its energy security and home to more than 9 million Indian expatriates.
Laheq: New era of residential island living in Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Global’s Laheq Island introduces island homeownership to Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH: Unveiled by Red Sea Global, Laheq is the first island focused on residences rather than tourism, bringing resort-style living and homeownership to Saudi Arabia.
Located off Saudi Arabia’s western coast, Laheq Island is part of an archipelago of 92 untouched islands that are home to over 2,000 marine species, many of which are found nowhere else.
Out of all the locations, RSG selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty which is shaped by coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and calm lagoons.
Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer at RSG, told Arab News: “Spanning over 400 hectares, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays. It offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home in a destination globally known for regenerative tourism and barefoot luxury.”
Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.
Darwish added: “It is designed by Foster and Partners, whose vision is grounded in its natural beauty. Their ‘Forever Gardens’ concept creates a regenerative, sensory-rich island shaped by greenery and architectural harmony.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.
• It is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs to family spaces and cultural programs.
Lissoni and Partners crafted the villa interiors, offering two palettes: light (with ivory, cream, and airy tones) and dark (with rich woods and earthy textures), to reflect different expressions of “barefoot luxury.”
At its heart lies The Ring, an 800-meter circular structure of luxury apartments, hotels, and shops surrounding the island’s central lagoon and white sands.
Laheq is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs and wellness sanctuaries to family spaces and cultural programs.
Highlights include two luxury hotels, one focused on wellness and the other on social energy. There’s also a 115-berth marina with sailing and watersports schools, an 18-hole championship golf course, several beach clubs, and clubs for men and women.
A retail and dining souq caters to both everyday needs and luxury experiences. North Park features sports facilities like tennis, padel, basketball, football, a gym, and a lap pool. The island also includes cultural programming, a mosque, and curated events for residents.
Laheq embodies RSG’s sustainability ethos, and Darwish said: “Residences are intentionally placed to maximize privacy (with) natural views, and solar orientation, while the entire island operates on 100 percent renewable energy and adheres to Red Sea Global’s pioneering environmental commitments.”
The “Forever Gardens” philosophy ensures that buildings blend with nature, using reclaimed materials, prioritizing solar orientation, and protecting mangroves and coral reefs.
Laheq will also contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and tourism growth.
Darwish added: “It also shows RSG’s evolution, from a destination developer to a vertically integrated real estate company delivering enduring value through real estate, hospitality, and sustainability.”
Laheq is scheduled for completion in 2028, with sales now officially underway. Development is set to begin shortly, marking a new chapter in exclusive island living.
Darwish said: “It appeals to those seeking second homes or primary residences in a private island setting, as well as intergenerational families looking to create meaningful shared experiences. The development also resonates with eco-conscious buyers who value sustainability and timeless design.”
RSG is working to plant 50 million mangroves and improve their natural habitats, while also protecting and restoring coral reefs in the Red Sea and nearby areas.
The developer is also on track to finish all 16 hotels in phase one of The Red Sea. By 2030 the full project will include 50 resorts with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 homes spread across 22 islands and six inland locations, with Red Sea International Airport ensuring easy access.
Dance of the dolphins steals the show at Farasan Islands
- Sightings of 5 dolphin species highlight biodiversity
- Vital to coexist with marine life, says local fisherman
RIYADH: Sightings of more than five dolphin species have cemented the Farasan Islands’ reputation as a must-visit haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Among the species spotted, bottlenose and spinner dolphins steal the show. Spinner dolphins, known for their playful nature, often approach recreational cruises, delighting people with their charm.
Saudi Arabia fisherman Mohammed Fursani, who has navigated the waters for a long time, sees a deeper connection.
NUMBER
150k
Located 50 km off Jazan’s coast and spanning 1,050 sq. km across more than 84 coral islands, this destination welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually, Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Dolphins, like us, understand and cherish the sea, finding joy in it. This deep-rooted relationship highlights the local community’s awareness of the importance of coexisting with and protecting marine life,” he told the SPA.
Beyond these charismatic dolphins, the Farasan Islands are a vital sanctuary of biodiversity. Their pristine, pollution-free waters teem with fish, providing abundant food for these marine mammals to thrive and reproduce.
The area’s marine ecosystem supports 230 fish species and endangered species including green and hawksbill turtles, as well as whales and sharks that are spotted occasionally.
The sight of dolphins adds to the islands’ growing appeal as an ecotourism hotspot, supported by Saudi Arabia’s wildlife preservation efforts.
Designated a nature reserve in 1996, the islands benefit from ongoing conservation efforts by the National Center for Wildlife Development to preserve their natural heritage.
Located 50 km off Jazan’s coast and spanning 1,050 sq. km across more than 84 coral islands, this destination welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually.
Authorities are planning over 20 hotels and resorts to accommodate this surge while prioritizing sustainability at the Farasan Islands.
Saudi Cabinet reviews real estate measures, praises oil and gas discoveries during Jeddah session
- Discussed ongoing implementation of measures aimed at stabilizing the real estate sector in Riyadh
- Hailed recent discoveries of oil and natural gas in Eastern Province and Empty Quarter
JEDDAH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Saudi Cabinet session on Tuesday in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among the matters discussed was the implementation of measures announced by the crown prince last month aimed at stabilizing the real estate sector in Riyadh.
The Cabinet stressed the importance of addressing the rise in land prices and rents that have been witnessed in the capital in recent years, highlighting the Kingdom’s keenness to ensure balanced growth, the SPA reported.
It also hailed the recent discoveries of oil and natural gas in the Eastern Province and the Empty Quarter, describing them as a “qualitative addition” that will consolidate Saudi Arabia’s economic standing and bolster its ability to meet both local and global energy demands for decades to come.
The Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom’s communications with other countries, focusing on developments in regional and global arenas, and exploring ways to enhance joint cooperation. It highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting international security, stability and humanitarian support for those in need.
It welcomed the growing international support for the upcoming conference to resolve the Palestinian issue and implement the two-state solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
It stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians without delay.
During the session, the Cabinet approved a number of key agreements and initiatives.
These included agreements with Morocco on mutual assistance in criminal matters, extradition and the transfer of convicts; and a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia to exempt holders of diplomatic, special or official passports from short-stay visa requirements.
Further approvals covered environmental cooperation with Jordan, health cooperation with Iran and education collaboration with South Korea. The Cabinet also authorized the signing of an agreement with Bahrain to avoid double taxation, alongside agreements with Kuwait and Croatia for similar tax purposes.
In technology, an MoU was approved between Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission and Greece’s National Telecommunications and Postal Authority. The Kingdom also agreed to join the Tampere Convention on telecommunications resources for disaster mitigation and relief operations.
Additional MoUs included cooperation on disability care with Djibouti, trade promotion with China, combating terrorism with Kenya, and news exchange between the Saudi Press Agency and Algeria’s state news agency.
In addition, the Cabinet praised the outcomes of the second edition of the Human Capabilities Initiative Conference recently held in Riyadh, which announced more than 100 launches, agreements, and MoUs aimed at stimulating international cooperation and furthering the goals of Vision 2030 in developing human capital.
Other notable decisions included the restructuring of the Primary Committee for the Resolution of Insurance Disputes and Violations in Jeddah, headed by Sultan bin Fayhan Aba Al-Ala, and the establishment of an operations room dedicated to processing financial fraud reports.
The Cabinet approved the final accounts of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University for the previous fiscal year.
It also approved promotions and appointments at the fourteenth rank across multiple ministries, including the promotion of Abdullah bin Saad bin Saleh Al-Ghamdi at the Ministry of Energy and the appointment of Ghallab bin Ghaleb bin Rajih Abu Khashim as deputy emir of Al-Baha Region.
Finally, the Cabinet reviewed a number of general topics, including annual reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Saudi Red Sea Authority and the Social Development Bank.
