Employment among Saudi women in the private sector has exceeded one million for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s labor market transformation under Saudi Vision 2030, according to analysis by Al Eqtisadiah.

The rise in female employment comes alongside a broader decline in unemployment, which fell by 0.3 percentage points to 7.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. The figure brings the Kingdom closer to its Vision 2030 target of 7 percent, a threshold first reached in late 2024 before fluctuating through 2025.

Labor market gains have been underpinned by sustained economic growth, particularly in non-oil sectors, supported by government spending and expansionary fiscal policies. Analysts attribute job creation largely to private sector expansion and structural reforms aimed at increasing workforce participation among Saudi nationals.

Female employment has been a central driver of this shift. Prior to the launch of Vision 2030, unemployment among Saudi women stood at 34.5 percent, significantly contributing to overall joblessness. By the fourth quarter of 2025, female unemployment had declined to 10.3 percent, its lowest level since official records began in 1999.

At the same time, female labor force participation rose by 0.8 percentage points to 34.5 percent, exceeding the Vision 2030 target. Male participation also increased, reaching 64.7 percent. However, male unemployment edged up slightly to 5.6 percent, indicating a divergence in labor market dynamics across genders.

Overall unemployment, which includes both citizens and expatriates, rose marginally by 0.1 percentage points to 3.5 percent. This increase was driven by a rise in non-Saudi unemployment, which reached 1.7 percent.Economic indicators suggest that employment growth is closely tied to broader macroeconomic performance.

Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product expanded by 5 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the fastest pace in four quarters and the eighth consecutive quarter of growth. The oil sector recorded a 10.8 percent increase, its strongest expansion in over three years, supported by higher production levels.

The non-oil sector maintained steady growth of 4.3 percent for the 20th consecutive quarter, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of economic diversification. In contrast, the government sector contracted by 1.2 percent, its first decline in more than two years.

Within the private sector, employment gains among Saudi nationals have been substantial. A total of 811,000 jobs were added over the period, including approximately 533,000 positions filled by women and 278,000 by men. As a result, total Saudi employment in the private sector rose to 2.55 million, representing a 52 percent increase.

Women accounted for 66 percent of new jobs created for Saudi citizens in the private sector, highlighting their growing role in the workforce. The increase reflects a series of policy reforms aimed at improving access to employment opportunities and reducing structural barriers.

Key measures have included lifting restrictions on women’s participation across multiple industries, advancing wage equality, and updating maternity regulations. Authorities have also introduced targeted programs to support female employment, including training initiatives, childcare services, and policies designed to enhance workplace inclusion.

Mobility reforms, including the lifting of restrictions on women driving, have also contributed to increased workforce participation by improving access to jobs. In parallel, government initiatives have encouraged private sector firms to hire more women, aligning corporate practices with national employment objectives.

The expansion of female employment has had a measurable impact on the overall labor market, contributing to a sustained decline in unemployment among Saudi nationals. Analysts note that continued progress will depend on maintaining economic growth, particularly in non-oil sectors, and further integrating women into emerging industries.

The data indicates that structural changes in the labor market are gaining traction, with female participation emerging as a key factor in achieving broader economic goals.

Trading in the UAE resumed on Wednesday after authorities suspended market activity for two days in response to Iran’s weekend barrage targeting the Emirates. The halt paused trading in listed assets worth billions of dollars while investors awaited clearer information on the extent of the damage caused by the strikes.Markets reopen after emergency trading haltThe attacks hit airports, ports and residential neighbourhoods across both emirates, prompting authorities to suspend trading temporarily across the country’s exchanges.Following the reopening, both exchanges said they would impose a temporary 5% lower price limit on securities in an effort to stabilise trading and contain sharp market swings.

Early Thursday trading showed continued selling pressure, extending declines seen after markets resumed activity.Escalation in regional conflictRegional tensions intensified further on Wednesday after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian naval vessel off Sri Lanka, killing at least 80 people, while NATO air defences intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile headed toward Turkey.The developments have heightened investor caution across Gulf markets as the conflict between the United States and Iran broadens, raising concerns about potential economic and security implications for the region.

The recent fall means the rial has lost around five percent of its value within a single month, adding to years of depreciation driven by sanctions, inflation, and weak economic growth. For ordinary Iranians, the decline has translated into higher prices for imported goods, rising living costs, and shrinking purchasing power across both urban and rural areas.

Officials have attempted to calm markets by insisting that currency movements are part of a natural adjustment process rather than a sign of systemic failure. The newly appointed central bank governor stated that the foreign exchange market was functioning normally, signaling that authorities do not currently plan dramatic intervention despite growing public concern.

The currency slide comes only weeks after protests erupted in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, traditionally seen as the commercial heart of the country and an early indicator of economic sentiment. What started as demonstrations over rising prices and hardship quickly spread to other cities, evolving into broader expressions of frustration with governance, economic management, and political accountability.

Although security forces eventually brought the unrest under control, the protests exposed the depth of anger linked to inflation and unemployment. Many households have struggled to cope with soaring costs, while wages have failed to keep pace, leaving the middle and lower-income groups particularly vulnerable to currency volatility.

In response to mounting pressure, the government introduced subsidy reforms aimed at reshaping how essential goods are supported. Preferential exchange rates previously offered to importers were scrapped and replaced with direct cash transfers to citizens, a move officials say is designed to reduce corruption and ensure benefits reach households more effectively.

Senior government figures have defended the reform, arguing that earlier systems failed to curb inflation and instead encouraged rent-seeking behavior. By providing direct assistance, authorities hope to stabilize the currency, improve transparency, and give families greater flexibility in managing expenses for food, fuel, and basic necessities.

Despite these measures, inflation remains stubbornly high. Official statistics show year-on-year inflation nearing 60 percent, underscoring how quickly prices are rising and how limited the impact of recent policy changes has been so far. Monthly household inflation has continued to accelerate, further eroding confidence in economic recovery.

Compounding the situation, Iran’s digital and online economy has been disrupted by ongoing internet restrictions imposed earlier this month. Businesses reliant on online platforms, freelancers, and startups have reported significant losses, adding another layer of strain to an economy already weakened by currency depreciation and reduced consumer spending.

Government representatives have said that while open internet access is preferred, security concerns necessitate continued limitations for now. Critics argue that such restrictions worsen economic isolation, discourage investment, and make it harder for entrepreneurs to adapt to inflationary pressures and currency instability.

Overall, the record fall of the rial reflects a complex mix of economic mismanagement, external pressure, and domestic unrest. Without sustained reforms, credible monetary policy, and restored confidence among citizens and markets, analysts warn that the currency could remain under pressure, prolonging hardship for millions of Iranians already grappling with rising prices and uncertainty.

His remarks came during an event at the University of Westminster on October 17, which included a special screening of “Rewriting Arab News,” a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Saudi newspaper and its digital transformation.

Vaizey emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration between nations, describing culture as “the soul of the country.”

He noted that cultural investment brings both economic and social benefits, praising Saudi Arabia for taking a proactive approach to fostering its creative sector.

“For someone who has been a culture minister in the UK, where it is often a challenge to communicate the value of culture, seeing Saudi Arabia make culture a core part of Vision 2030 is remarkable,” he said.

The event included a panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas and University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Dibyesh Anand.

Vaizey highlighted Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion creative industries sector, projected to contribute 3 percent of GDP and grow to $48 billion by 2030.

He described it as one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors and a significant opportunity for international collaboration, particularly with the UK.

Vaizey also discussed his ongoing involvement in projects linking British and Saudi cultural initiatives, including work with the cultural consulting firm BOP, Riyadh-based arts organization Edge of Arabia, and the Saudi-UK Creative Forum.

He stressed the importance of bringing changemakers from both countries together on an equal footing to share ideas and foster innovation.

“Saudi Arabia has the potential to offer valuable lessons to cultural institutions worldwide on innovation and creative development,” he noted.

During the event, Vaizey reflected on his recent visit to the inaugural Cultural Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom’s focus on culture as a driver of economic growth.

He said, “By investing in culture, Saudi Arabia is strengthening not only its economy but also the identity and vitality of its society.

The Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, is an economically and culturally dynamic region, and it is inspiring to witness this ambition and confidence.”

University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dibyesh Anand highlighted the role of universities in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

He noted the challenges faced by institutions in navigating global tensions while promoting diversity, open dialogue, and mutual respect. Anand said the university aims to equip students with the skills to navigate complexity while maintaining respect for differing perspectives.

Abbas, a 2009 Westminster graduate, spoke about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as an outward-looking plan requiring international partnerships.

He emphasized the value of knowledge transfer and collaboration in areas ranging from cultural industries to technology and energy.

Abbas also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role in regional and global affairs, citing efforts to mediate conflicts and promote stability as integral to both economic and societal development.

Looking ahead, Abbas shared plans for Arab News’ new AI-powered translation system, developed with regional startup CAMB.AI.

The platform will allow the newspaper to publish content in 50 languages, reaching nearly 80 percent of the global population, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation and international engagement.

The event, attended by academics, students, diplomats, and professionals from the UK and Arab world, underscored the growing cultural, economic, and diplomatic connections between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.