Saudi Arabia Approves SME Strategy Targeting 500K Jobs

Sep 19, 2026
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Saudi Arabia Approves SME Strategy Targeting 500K Jobs

Saudi Arabia has approved a national strategy for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), setting out ambitious targets to expand the sector and its role in the economy by 2030.

The strategy aims to create more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs and to raise the contribution of SMEs to 35 percent of the country's gross domestic product. To achieve these goals, the plan is built around 13 initiatives spanning the coming years.

Why it matters

Small and medium-sized enterprises are a key engine of employment and economic diversification. By setting clear job-creation and GDP targets, the strategy signals a continued focus on supporting business owners, startups, and the wider entrepreneurial community across the Kingdom.

For residents and expats who own or work in small businesses, the strategy points to a growing environment of support and opportunity in the years ahead. The measures are aligned with رؤية السعودية 2030 and its broader push to diversify the national economy.

Further details on how the 13 initiatives will roll out are expected to become clearer as implementation progresses. سعودي ليفنج will continue to follow developments relevant to the business community.


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