The General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia announced that the number of workers in the Kingdom has reached approximately 19.03 million by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a notable growth in the Saudi labor market. The average monthly salary for Saudi workers was around 11,103 riyals, while the average salary for foreign workers was 4,131 riyals.
Data indicates that the number of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia is around 14.8 million, representing 78% of the total workforce, while the number of Saudi workers stands at 4.2 million, equivalent to 22% of the total. These figures reflect a trend towards increased reliance on foreign labor across various sectors.
Details of the Event
According to educational levels, 39% of Saudi workers hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, indicating a rise in educational attainment among the national workforce. Meanwhile, about 26% of foreign workers have a secondary education level and 22% have a high school education. This distribution highlights the educational gap between Saudis and foreigners in the labor market.
Regionally, 46% of the total Saudi workforce is concentrated in the Riyadh region, where their number is approximately 1.94 million workers, followed by the Eastern Province at 18% and the Makkah region at 17%. Foreign workers, excluding domestic labor, are also primarily located in the Riyadh region, totaling 5.36 million workers.
Background & Context
These statistics come as part of the ongoing efforts by the Saudi government to enhance the labor market and provide job opportunities for citizens. This growth in the number of workers is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to reduce dependence on oil and diversify the economy.
Furthermore, the focus on higher education among Saudis reflects a trend towards improving skills and meeting the changing needs of the labor market. However, the challenge remains in effectively integrating this workforce into various sectors.
Impact & Consequences
These figures serve as an indicator of the health of the Saudi economy and its ability to attract labor. Nevertheless, the heavy reliance on foreign labor raises questions about the sustainability of this growth and how to achieve a balance between national and foreign labor.
It is also crucial for the Saudi government to continue its efforts in skill development and vocational training to ensure that the national workforce is competitive in the market. Improving working conditions and increasing wages may also contribute to attracting more citizens to the labor market.
Regional Significance
Saudi Arabia's experience in enhancing its labor market serves as a model for other Arab countries, many of which face similar challenges in balancing national and foreign labor. Saudi Arabia's success in this area may inspire other nations to adopt similar strategies.
In conclusion, the issue of developing the labor market in Saudi Arabia remains of great importance, requiring effective strategies to ensure sustainable growth and meet the changing needs of the economy.