Saudi Arabia Sees Rising Participation of Women in Workforce and Leadership

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: In celebration of International Women’s Day, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics has released a report showcasing the growing role of Saudi women in employment, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia is home to 9.8 million women, with 36.2% participating in the labor force as of the third quarter of 2024. The employment-to-population ratio for Saudi women reached 31.3%, indicating steady progress in workforce inclusion.
Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship
The data highlights an increase in female leadership roles, with 78,356 Saudi women holding senior management positions in 2024. Additionally, 551,318 Saudi women registered businesses in 2023, reflecting a growing presence in entrepreneurship.
Growth in Freelancing and Tourism Sectors
The trend of freelancing has also seen remarkable growth, with 449,725 Saudi women obtaining freelance work permits in 2023.
Meanwhile, the tourism sector has experienced an increase in female employment, with 111,259 Saudi women working in tourism-related jobs in 2024.
The latest figures highlight the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance women’s economic participation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and its commitment to gender inclusion and empowerment.