Saudi Freelancer Numbers See 2.2 Million Jump in 2024

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced a 2.2 million increase in digital freelancers in 2024.

The ministry credits much of the change to the national strategy for youth development. "This strategy includes programs to develop leadership and innovation skills among young people, and there is a clear focus on young men and women who will be the core of our focus in the labor market," the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, said during the announcement.

The Kingdom recently incorporated eight measures in order to improve general market flexibility, some of which include supporting recent graduates and their transition into the workforce, and adapting work strategies to the future use of AI.

Saudi Arabia’s private sector has grown to over 12 million workers in 2024 after the addition of approximately 700,000 jobs. Unemployment rates have also decreased to 3.7% in 2024, a 2% decrease since 2020. Female participation in the labor market has increased to 36%.