New National Policy Empowers Saudi Youth to 2030

Aug 25, 2026
Share this article
New National Policy Empowers Saudi Youth to 2030

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a new General Policy for Youth Development, a national framework designed to strengthen the role of young people in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The policy works alongside a Youth Development Strategy, with both running until 2030 as umbrella references for youth initiatives across the government, private, and nonprofit sectors.

The framework concentrates on five main areas: economic empowerment, community participation, education and lifelong learning, health and wellbeing, and national identity and belonging. Its stated objectives include reducing legislative gaps that affect young people, tackling youth-related social and economic challenges, and providing financial support for youth-led initiatives and projects.

Official documents describe youth as roughly 44% of the population and about 78% of the workforce, positioning this generation as a central driver of national development. The accompanying strategy sets out 10 strategic goals and aims to integrate young people into 24 key sectors of the economy and public life, with implementation coordinated across more than 30 government and private entities under a unified framework for regulations, programs, and funding.

Why it matters

The policy is aligned with the Human Capability Development Program under Saudi Vision 2030, which targets lifelong learning, stronger educational outcomes, and better alignment between education and the labor market. The national youth strategy has been ratified by the Shura Council, formally embedding youth issues — education, jobs, health, culture, and leisure time — into national planning.

Since early 2024, more than 20 youth empowerment initiatives have been introduced under the slogan "Our Youth is Our Wealth," focusing on skills development, economic participation, and civic engagement. National campaigns such as skills-focused weeks and training drives continue to promote vocational training and labor-market readiness. Official information and services for young people are available through dedicated youth empowerment sections on the Saudi government digital portal.


Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

Up Next

Skills Week Boosts Saudi Workforce Upskilling

Skills Week Boosts Saudi Workforce Upskilling

Skills Week, a national campaign by MHRSD, drives upskilling and reskilling for Saudis with free and subsidized programs aligned with Vision 2030.

Aug 25,2026
Riyadh's Next Phase: From Investment to Outcomes

Riyadh's Next Phase: From Investment to Outcomes

A new analysis says Riyadh's competitiveness in 2026 will hinge on turning transformation investments into lasting economic and social outcomes.

Aug 25,2026
Aramco Signs $3.7bn Deals With French Companies

Aramco Signs $3.7bn Deals With French Companies

Aramco and Aramco Digital signed agreements and MoUs with French firms worth over USD 3.7 billion, covering drilling equipment, steel pipes and industrial AI.

Aug 25,2026
Expats Face Fines, Jail for Illegal Self-Employment

Expats Face Fines, Jail for Illegal Self-Employment

Self-employed expats working outside their sponsor or without a valid permit face fines up to SAR 50,000, jail up to 6 months, and deportation.

Aug 25,2026
New National Policy Empowers Saudi Youth to 2030 | Saudi Living