Saudi Arabia Launches Youth Development Strategy

Saudi Arabia has launched a national Youth Development Strategy aimed at empowering young Saudis, announced by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, in الرياض on 29 January 2024. Running under the slogan “Our Youth is Our Wealth,” the strategy will be implemented through 2030.

The strategy targets Saudi youth, who make up around 44% of the total population and about 78% of the total workforce. It is built on five main pillars, seeks ten strategic goals, and includes 20 initiatives and 40 projects covering all youth segments.

Its focus areas span economic empowerment and greater youth participation in the labor market across the government, private, and nonprofit sectors; community and civic engagement, including a role in decision-making and public life; education, lifelong learning, and skills development; health and wellbeing alongside national identity and religious values; as well as digital safety, protection from discrimination and violence, equal opportunities, and empowerment of youth with disabilities.

How it will be delivered

Designed and implemented with more than 30 public and private entities, the strategy acts as a general public policy for youth development, coordinating efforts within a unified system and integrated into رؤية السعودية 2030 human-capital frameworks and the National Transformation Program. Implementation tools include new youth-related regulations, plus programs for freelance, flexible, and remote work to widen labor-market participation, along with training and qualification programs to boost employability.

A Youth Development Award was also launched in 2024 to recognize young people and youth-serving organizations. The strategy aims to raise youth contribution to national development, improve international rankings, and integrate Saudi youth into 24 key economic sectors that will shape the country’s future growth — a direct benefit for the large share of young residents building careers across the Kingdom.

---

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:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving