Key Points:
- Female workforce participation rises to 35 per cent.
- Healthcare and cultural indicators show sustained gains.
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme has delivered sweeping social and economic changes over the past decade, meeting or exceeding key targets years ahead of schedule, according to the Kingdom’s latest annual report.
The report, published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), highlights advances in employment, women’s empowerment, housing, healthcare, sports, culture, and tourism as Saudi Arabia enters the final stretch toward its 2030 goals.
The Kingdom is going through a transformation under a reform agenda launched in 2016 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia said the reforms have helped reshape daily life while supporting broader efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and strengthen the country’s position on the global stage.
Labour market indicators were among the strongest performers. The number of Saudis employed in the private sector reached 2.6 million, up from 1.7 million in 2020.
At the same time, the national unemployment rate fell to 7.2 per cent from 12.3 per cent in 2016. Small and medium enterprises now employ 8.88 million people, surpassing the Kingdom’s 2025 target.
Saudi women’s participation surges
Women’s participation in the labour force has risen sharply to 35 per cent, compared with 22.8 per cent before the launch of Vision 2030.
The achievement has placed the Kingdom within reach of its 40 per cent target for the end of the decade. Women now occupy 43.9 per cent of middle and senior management positions, according to the report. Employment among people with disabilities has also exceeded interim goals.
Saudi health indicators improve
Human development indicators have similarly improved. Saudi Arabia’s Human Development Index score climbed to 0.900, above its 2025 target.
The number of volunteers reached nearly 1.75 million, exceeding the 2030 goal of one million five years ahead of schedule. Corporate social responsibility programmes have expanded significantly, and the non-profit sector’s contribution to gross domestic product continues to grow.
Youth development in KSA
The report places particular emphasis on youth development, noting increased investment in education, vocational training and emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and media.
Nearly half of technical and vocational graduates now find employment within six months of graduation, compared with less than 14 per cent at the programme’s outset.
Housing progress
Housing has emerged as another major area of progress. The national homeownership rate reached 66.24 per cent, surpassing the 2025 target of 65 per cent, aided by expanded financing options and support programmes for first-time buyers.
Better healthcare
Healthcare outcomes have also improved substantially. Average life expectancy rose to 79.7 years in 2024, close to the 2030 target of 80 years. Meanwhile, healthcare coverage now extends to 97.5 per cent of population clusters.
The report said deaths from infectious diseases have fallen by 50%, chronic disease mortality has dropped by 40%, and seven in 10 cancer cases are now detected at an early stage.
Saudi investment in sports
Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports and entertainment has become one of the most visible aspects of Vision 2030.
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The Kingdom has hosted major international events, including Formula One races and the Esports World Cup, and is preparing to stage the FIFA World Cup in 2034. Participation in grassroots sports has expanded significantly, particularly among women.
Cultural and tourism initiatives have also accelerated. Saudi Arabia reported that 17 restaurants are now listed in the Michelin Guide. Projects such as Six Flags Qiddiya City and JAX Film Studios underscore efforts to establish the Kingdom as a regional centre for entertainment and creative industries.
Saudi heritage and Islamic identity
At the same time, authorities say Vision 2030 continues to emphasise the preservation of Saudi heritage and Islamic identity. Eight Saudi sites are now included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, meeting the programme’s target ahead of schedule.
The Kingdom also welcomed 18.03 million Umrah pilgrims from abroad in 2025, exceeding its target of 15 million.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia says the next phase of Vision 2030 will focus on sustaining current momentum and expanding opportunities for citizens and residents alike.
The programme’s architects argue that its success will ultimately be measured not only by economic indicators, but by improvements in quality of life across the Kingdom.
