A comprehensive Youth Development Strategy was launched in Riyadh in January 2024 to empower Saudi youth and expand opportunities aligned with their academic and professional interests. The strategy runs through 2030 and treats young people as the nation's wealth.
The plan is built on five main pillars: economic empowerment, community participation, education and lifelong learning, health and wellbeing, and national identity and religious values. It aims to achieve 10 strategic goals through 20 initiatives and 40 projects targeting young people roughly aged 15 to 34.
Officials say the focus on youth reflects their weight in society, with young people making up about 44% of the population and 78% of the workforce. Implementation relies on partnerships with more than 30 government and private entities to improve youth-related regulations, strengthen workplace protection, and expand youth participation in decision-making.
What it means for young residents
The strategy includes measures to reduce legislative gaps, address youth issues, and financially empower youth-led initiatives through dedicated support mechanisms and funding channels. Initiatives cover work regulation and protection, capacity-building for institutions, digital safety, anti-discrimination, and the inclusion of youth with disabilities.
The primary channel for information and registration is the Youth Empowerment section on the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development portal, which lists key programs. Additional platforms support skills and employment, including the Doroob e-training platform, the Tamheer on-the-job training program, and Human Resources Development Fund schemes such as Hadaf Leadership Academy, alongside freelance, flexible work, remote work, Ajeer, Masar, and Saned programs. The strategy is integrated with رؤية السعودية 2030 and the National Transformation Program.
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