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 and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation
- Ministers sign MoU to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe on Friday, Nov. 22. The two discussed various ways to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
Prince Badr met with Abe as part of his official visit to Japan to attend the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” show in Tokyo, which took place on Thursday.
The Saudi minister noted that the Kingdom’s upcoming participation at Expo 2025 in Osaka highlights the strong relations between the two countries, and wished Japan success in hosting the event.
In their meeting, the ministers addressed the importance of “strengthening cultural relations between the Kingdom and Japan,” the SPA reported, and of “enhancing existing cooperation between the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and the Japanese to train Saudi students in the art of creating manga comics.”
Prince Badr and his Japanese counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at “enhancing cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries through the exchange of knowledge in systems and regulations related to cultural affairs, in the field of animation, and projects related to preserving heritage of all kinds, in addition to digital preservation technologies for heritage, and developing artistic residency programs between the two countries.”
The MoU is part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to enhance international cultural exchange, one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone
- The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species
- NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has successfully reintroduced 26 endangered animals to their natural habitat in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Souda region.
Thursday’s ceremony was attended by Souda Development Company CEO Saleh Al-Arini and National Center for Wildlife Development General Supervisor of Planning and Empowerment Abdulmohsen Al-Shanif.
The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species while enhancing biodiversity and ensuring ecosystems thrive throughout the Kingdom. The project also aims to boost the region’s tourism appeal while supporting environmental sustainability.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected following comprehensive biodiversity studies to assess both current conditions and potential future impacts.
“This project not only enhances our ecosystems but also strengthens ecotourism opportunities and creates new economic channels for the Kingdom,” he said, adding NCW’s breeding centers ranked among the world’s leading facilities for endangered species propagation. The centers maintain the highest international standards while conducting vital research on species’ living conditions.
The organization employs cutting-edge technology to monitor wildlife populations, collect data and assess potential risks to biodiversity in protected areas.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.
Saudi Arabia advocates for quality of life during COP29
- One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification
- This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom
BAKU: While COP29, the 29th climate change conference, continues discussions for a 12th day in the capital city of Azerbaijan to elevate health and well-being for people all over the world, sustaining the level of quality of life after the implementation of policies is important.
Sustainability, in general, has emerged as a critical focal point for countries worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. As the Kingdom moves from a predominantly oil-based economy to a more diverse and sustainable model, the implications for quality of life are profound.
One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification.
This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom.
The Saudi government is working to create a more resilient and prosperous future through various investments in sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly technologies and projects.
Sustainable urban development is central to enhancing the quality of life. Projects such as NEOM, a futuristic city planned to integrate smart technology and sustainable living, show how urban environments can be designed while keeping growth sustainable even after the completion of the city.
Such projects aim to provide residents with green spaces, efficient public transport and smart infrastructure, all contributing to a higher standard of living.
Aeon Collective is another example that shows the Kingdom’s commitment to raising living standards for people.
The company is an interdisciplinary, non-profit organization based in Riyadh, committed to advancing the concept of sustainability and development in Saudi Arabia, while at the same time focusing on the intersection of social, economic, and ecological well-being.
Aeon Collective is considered a Waqf, which is an Arabic word meaning assets that are donated, bequeathed, or purchased to be held in perpetual trust for general or specific charitable causes that are socially beneficial.
Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalan, co-founder of Aeon Collective, explained to Arab News during COP29 the concept and objective of the organization.
“As you know, Waqf is one of the oldest legal Islamic structures, (established) almost 1400 years ago,” she said. “The intention was to reorient this legal structure (Waqf) into a space that allowed us to focus on sustainability in the longer run, but in the shorter run try to answer one key basic question, ‘what would it take to align opportunities for socio-economic mobility for individuals through the active action of repairing our planet?’”
Princess Mashael spoke further of the need to reclaim the Islamic framework Amarat Alardh, which, according to her, means “custodianship of the land.”
“It is within our own heritage, our culture, Islamic, Arabic, Saudi, that we have to be there to take care of our fellow citizens, our fellow humans, but importantly, every other being, plant, animal, that we share this planet with,” she said.
Moreover, public awareness and engagement in sustainability practices are being fostered through educational campaigns and community initiatives. By encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable habits, such as recycling and energy conservation, the government aims to create a culture of sustainability that enhances community well-being.
Throughout the conversation, Princess Mashael praised the perspectives Saudi Arabia is bringing to the table of negotiations during this event, yet stressed also the responsibility of individuals to raise the bar of ambition on a national level to ensure that those goals and ambitions are translated on the ground.
In addition, Princess Mashael was a speaker at one of the panels on Wednesday, regarding sustainability in cities.
“Cities tend to not only be the biggest congregators of carbon but also where most of the brains we are trying to attract, who solve these issues, live ... So it is having a mentality that goes beyond scarcity, beyond fear-mongering and eco-anxiety; to a mentality of growth, to a mentality of being able to do.”
Sustainability in Saudi Arabia is not merely a response to environmental concerns; it is a holistic approach to improving quality of life through strategic initiatives in numerous sectors, including urban planning and community engagement; the country is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future for its people.
Women’s traditional market in Al-Baha: a cultural hub empowering local artisans
- Traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts
RIYADH: Women’s traditional markets in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Aqiq governorate have emerged as a vibrant center of cultural preservation and economic empowerment in Al-Baha region.
This traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts and trade indigenous products.
Through their participation, women play a vital role in safeguarding Saudi national identity and cultural heritage.
The marketplace enables them to use government support programs designed for productive families and small to medium enterprises, transforming traditional handicrafts into viable commercial products.
A recent tour by the Saudi Press Agency revealed the market’s rich tapestry of products, from woven carpets and jewelry to local delicacies and traditional spices.
Visitors can find authentic products including al-kadi (Pandanus) plants, rayhan (natural clothing fragrance), local honey, traditional ghee, various types of incense, metalwork, textiles, and traditional clothing.
The market distinctively features artisans creating handmade crafts in real time.
Umm Abdullah, a craftswoman, said the market’s significance goes beyond commerce.
“This space has become a crucial meeting point for women to exchange news, experiences and expertise,” she said.
“It is not just about trading goods — it is about discovering talents and creating job opportunities, while strengthening cooperation among women to pass our heritage to the next generation in innovative ways that reinforce national identity.”
Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Sawat, Al-Baha region’s secretary, underscored the market’s role in supporting productive families by organizing women’s work and providing a secure environment for women entrepreneurs and their products while promoting cultural values.
Al-Sawat highlighted the municipality’s commitment to supporting community projects, praising Al-Aqiq Municipality’s initiative in establishing the market.
The facility covers an impressive 4,000 sq. meters and houses 47 shops. The space includes prayer facilities, restrooms and ample parking, complemented by landscaped green spaces, seating areas and children’s recreational facilities.
Saudi defense minister meets Swedish counterpart
- Discussions focused on bolstering cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sweden
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met Johan Stuart, minister of state at the Swedish Prime Minister’s office, in Riyadh on Thursday.
They discussed ways in which relations and cooperation between their countries might be enhanced, along with other issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Other Saudi officials present during the discussions included Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, chief of the general staff of the Kingdom’s armed forces, and Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, director general of the defense minister’s office.
The Swedish minister was accompanied by a delegation that included Bjorn Kalvakov, charge d’affaires of the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh, and Sophie Becker, deputy head of the Middle East and North Africa department at Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
