RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s unemployment rate declined to 6.5 percent in the second quarter of 2026, down from 6.8 percent during the same period in 2025.

According to data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on Wednesday, the unemployment rate increased slightly from 6.4 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

The latest data reflects an update to the statistical indicators based on population estimates from the 2024 population census, which was itself based on the 2022 Saudi census. The update aims to provide a more accurate picture of developments in employment and job creation.

The report noted that labor market reforms have contributed to the decline in unemployment among Saudi citizens. Job localization policies and initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities, along with strategic labor market programs and the Human Capital Development Program, have supported these efforts.

These initiatives have helped reduce the gap between the skills of job seekers and the requirements of the labor market, while contributing to the development of various sectors and creating new investment opportunities. The number of Saudis employed in the private sector exceeded 2.5 million by the end of 2025.

Reforms have also supported greater participation of Saudi women in the workforce by improving access to employment opportunities and workplace support services. As a result, the unemployment rate among Saudi women fell to a record low of 10.3 percent, supported by initiatives related to workplace access, childcare and other employment services.

The latest annual report on Saudi Vision 2030 also noted that the Kingdom achieved its 2030 unemployment target of 7 percent ahead of schedule, with the rate reaching that level by the end of 2024.

Source:Saudi Gazette