Women Now 36% of Saudi Tech Workforce, LEAP 5 Shows

Women now account for an estimated 35–36% of the technology workforce in Saudi Arabia, according to figures highlighted at LEAP 5 (2026). The sector's total workforce was put at roughly 411,000 workers, with women representing between 35 and 36 percent — described as the highest rate among G20 countries.

The figures point to rapid change. Women's participation in the technology sector has climbed from around 7% to approximately 35–36% over recent years, a level said to surpass averages in both the European Union and Silicon Valley, and positioning the Kingdom as a leading G20 country for women in information and communications technology.

The growth in women's employment has moved in parallel with the expansion of the Kingdom's digital economy, which is reported to have grown by about 69% — from roughly $118 billion to about $199 billion — since the launch of the LEAP conference series.

Why it matters

The tech figures form part of a wider labour-market shift. Female labour-force participation in Saudi Arabia now stands at roughly 36–36.3%, exceeding the original Vision 2030 target of 30% and prompting a new goal of 40% female participation by 2030.

Measurements can vary by definition and period: some statistical dashboards place women at around 26% of the technology and telecommunications sector for 2025, while ministerial and LEAP statements in 2026 put the share in the technology/ICT workforce at about 35–36%, reflecting how quickly the field has grown. For residents and job seekers in Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond, the numbers signal expanding opportunities in one of the Kingdom's fastest-growing sectors.

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