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.
Saudi crown prince offers condolences to British PM after brother dies
- Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer
- Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the passing of his younger brother, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.
“My brother Nick was a wonderful man,” Starmer said at the time.
“He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much.”
Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Economic support reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stability in Yemen, cabinet says
- The cabinet strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s latest aid package to Yemen reflects its commitment to stability in the country, the Cabinet said on Tuesday.
On Friday, Saudi Arabia announced new economic support worth $500 million. It comprises a $300 million deposit into the Central Bank of Yemen to improve economic and financial conditions and $200 million to address its budget deficit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During a meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet said the support aimed to strengthen Yemen’s economic, financial and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.
The meeting also discussed regional and international developments and emphasized the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to foster cooperation through relations with other countries and its membership of multilateral organizations and groups.
The cabinet also strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status and called upon the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for violations against civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine. It also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people.
The condemnation came after Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a “prayer” for hostages in Gaza, challenging rules over one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East.
The cabinet also reviewed the performance indicators of key economic sectors and commended the growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
12 new Arab projects to drive innovation
- The board endorsed the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, aimed at supporting small farmers and addressing the impact of drought, desertification, and climate change
RIYADH: The Arab Gulf Programme for Development’s board of directors has approved funding for several projects to support the region’s advancement and promote innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The meeting, chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, took place at the organization’s Riyadh headquarters.
The board endorsed the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, aimed at supporting small farmers and addressing the impact of drought, desertification, and climate change.
The organization approved 12 projects focused on key areas including early childhood development, inclusion of people with disabilities, women’s empowerment, and marine conservation.
The board reviewed the organization’s 2024 activities, highlighting its participation in the 16th UN Conference on Combating Desertification.
The directors also expressed appreciation for the Arab Coordination Group’s initiative to allocate $10 billion to combat drought, desertification, and climate change.
As the Year of the Camel ends, Saudi Arabia celebrates ‘timeless companion’ to Arabs
- Camel herding has evolved into investment venture, says official
- Camels have long been associated with the history and culture of the Arabs
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture declared 2024 “The Year of The Camel” to celebrate the cultural and social significance of camels, in recognition of their esteemed status in Saudi society and their enduring connection with the Arab people.
Joining them, the UN declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids with the slogan, “Heroes of the deserts and highlands: nourishing people and culture.”
The Saudi Ministry of Culture recently held a ceremony in Laysen Valley, Riyadh, to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Year of the Camel initiative, where key partners who contributed to achieving the year’s objectives were honored.
It included a presentation of Alheda’a, an oral polyphonic expression accompanied by gestures or musical instruments played by herders to communicate with their camels, recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Camels have long been associated with the history and culture of the Arabs. The bond between Arabs and camels in the vast deserts of this part of the world weaves a tale of companionship and reliance that reaches deep into antiquity.
Bedouins, the quintessential desert dwellers, found consolation and great help from these majestic creatures as they traversed the arid terrain in search of sustenance. With their resilience, camels bore the weight of countless journeys, their significance immortalized in the grand gestures of presenting them as gifts to leading figures in every age.
For many Bedouins who still live in the deserts of Arabia, they continue to provide a source of livelihood, food supply and transport to this day.
Historically, the domestication of camels unleashed the potential of early Arab societies. Arabian armies were able to quickly conquer territory and establish large empires thanks to the speed and resilience of these “ships of the desert.”
The Arabs’ deep-seated attachment to camels is reflected in other ways. In ancient times, Arabs used the words wealth and camels interchangeably in their vernacular.
In an interview with Arab News, Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Turki, spokesperson for the annual King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, said: “The camel holds a revered place in the heart of the Arabs, a timeless companion woven into the very fabric of history. It was the steadfast ally of our ancestors, offering them not only protection and sustenance but also embodying the essence of sacrifice, and ensuring their survival and well-being.
“The camel, after God, was their refuge — providing shelter in a world that offered little else. From its wool, they built their homes, and in its shadow, they found security. Centuries ago, before the comforts we enjoy today, life was a struggle, with few resources and fewer means of survival. Their existence hinged upon the camel and the nomadic life of herding.
“In a land dominated by deserts, it was the divine wisdom of God that allowed the camel to thrive here, for it alone could endure the harsh trials of this unforgiving environment. Thus, the camel became, as mentioned, everything to the Arabs: shelter, food, drink, and the means of travel,” Al-Turki said.
Throughout the year cultural events and activities were organized, domestically and internationally, celebrating camels and the rich cultural heritage they represent.
The Saudi Games 2024 also announced a collaboration with the initiative, adorning their torch, medals and victory bouquet with designs to represent the spirit of the program.
A special camel parade was held in France in April 2024 with Saudi Arabia participating.
The event in Paris was organized by the French Federation for the Development of Camelids in France and Europe, under the umbrella of the International Camel Organization, and was sponsored by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Kingdom’s Camel Club.
Elaborating on the significance of camels for people in the Arabian Peninsula, Al-Turki said: “In a time when cars were but a distant dream, it was the camel that carried them across vast deserts, took them on pilgrimages, and connected them with loved ones. It was their faithful companion on every journey, both physical and spiritual, embodying the essence of survival and connection in a world without the conveniences we know today.
“The significance of the camel runs deep, its presence etched into the very essence of Arab identity. It is not something the Arab could ever relinquish, for it is woven into the fabric of their history, culture, and way of life,” he added.
Al-Turki went on: “The significance of the camel in our culture is immense, for our way of life is inseparable from it. Even today, people continue to be bound to the camel. They may live in palaces and towers, yet they cannot do without its milk or meat. The camel remains a vital part of their lives, a companion that is deeply embedded in their culture and identity, an irreplaceable partner in their journey through life.”
He noted that a royal decree was issued in 2017 to establish the Camel Club, under the supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the club’s supervisor general.
The club is supported by a distinguished membership of intellectuals, experts in the field, and government officials, and places particular emphasis on the camel races held during the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.
Al-Turki noted that before the establishment of the Camel Club, the number of camels in Saudi Arabia was fewer than 500,000 heads, according to UN statistics, underscoring the critical role the club played in preserving and enhancing this valuable tradition.
Today there are nearly two million camels in the country, according to official statistics.
“This reflects the Camel Club’s significant role in enhancing camel populations in the country,” Al-Turki said.
Initially, some individuals, especially the elderly, entered the field as a hobby and for its cultural value. But with the growth of the Camel Club, this hobby evolved into large commercial ventures, supported by the Public Investment Fund.
One of the most notable examples is camel milk, which has become a highly sought-after product in local and international markets, with supply often struggling to meet growing demand.
In addition to the camel milk industry, large factories have also emerged in the fields of meat and wool production, reflecting the continuous growth of this sector, thanks to the support of the Camel Club, said Al-Turki.
“Camels are no longer just a hobby or passion, they have evolved into an economic and investment venture that contributes to improving the standard of living, prompting camel owners to progress,” Al-Turki said.
Since its inception, the Camel Club assumed responsibility for overseeing the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which was organized in collaboration with the administration of King Abdulaziz.
The first edition of the festival was entirely managed by the administration. By the third edition, regulations and arrangements specific to the festival were established, granting the Camel Club full supervision. This was a significant step in strengthening its role in promoting this national heritage.
The club has worked to foster camel culture in younger generations through various efforts, such as incorporating this heritage into school booklets, organizing school visits for students, and holding regular seminars.
The International Camel Organization was established under the umbrella of the UN following a series of collaborations, visits, research, conferences and meetings held over the years, in addition to the regular reports submitted about the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.
The International Camel Organization initially had 103 member countries. This number later expanded to 105 countries, including the United States, most European countries, East Asia, Africa, and most Arab and Gulf states.
As the organization developed, camel breeders’ associations were established in various regions around the world. One of the first of these was the European Association, founded in Switzerland, followed by associations in America, Africa, East Asia, and other countries.
The International Camel Organization plays a significant role in promoting and spreading camel culture worldwide. It contributes to raising awareness of the health and economic benefits of these animals.
One of the most prominent initiatives by the organization is the International Camel Organization Race at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. This race is restricted to participants from non-Arab countries, with Saudi and Gulf participants excluded from competing.
The rest of the races at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival are open to all participants, regardless of nationality or gender, making the event a true global occasion that encourages interaction from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The festival also provides special opportunities for women, such as the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman Race, exclusively for female participants.
“Given that this year has been designated as the Year of the Camel by the Ministry of Culture, it marks a significant activation of this important sector. The exceptional ninth edition of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival has witnessed notable developments in prizes, which have been increased to over SR200 million ($53.3 million), and the number of prizes has risen from five to 10,” the festival spokesperson said.
It has become essential for everyone to recognize the importance of camels, not only as part of the cultural heritage but also as a key element in sustainable development, Al-Turki said.
Archaeologists find ancient urban development in Baha
- Excavations reveal advanced architecture, artifacts from more than 1,000 years ago
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has completed the third season of the archaeological excavation project at the Al-Ma’mala site in the Baha region, continuing efforts to document the Kingdom’s heritage.
The excavations uncovered evidence of urban development more than a millennium old, shedding light on the historical aspects of archaeological sites in the Kingdom.
Excavators found granite stone walls, some with mud bricks and gypsum plaster, reflecting advanced building techniques, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The walls, standing 50-120 cm high and 50-80 cm wide, demonstrate the era’s architectural skill.
The dig revealed two well-preserved residential complexes. The first has three rooms, four storage areas, five basins and two hearths. The second features three rooms, two storage spaces, four basins, a hearth, a clay oven and two supporting pillars.
These structures highlight the community’s efficient spatial organization and versatile building design, the SPA added.
The excavation uncovered 230 pottery pieces, both glazed and unglazed, featuring distinctive geometric patterns.
The team also found 48 stone artifacts, 26 colored glass pieces in green and gray, 35 metal implements and 17 stone tools, including pestles, grinders and millstone fragments used in crushing raw materials.
These findings suggest a thriving commercial and industrial center, the SPA reported.
Al-Ma’malah’s strategic location, 13 km east of Al-Aqiq and 45 km from Baha, was key to its historical significance. The site lies near the ancient Darb Al-Feel (Elephant Road) trade route, which connected southern Arabia to northern regions in pre-Islamic times, making it economically important.
This route later became a major pilgrimage path during the Islamic era, leading to the growth of villages and cities along its path.
The Heritage Commission continues to conduct extensive surveys and excavations across Saudi Arabia using advanced survey techniques and field methods. These efforts aim to document and preserve the Kingdom’s history while raising public awareness of its cultural heritage.
