Saudi Arabia’s HRDF supports employment of 329,000 citizens in H1 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) supported the employment of 329,000 Saudi citizens during the first half of 2026, marking a 23% increase compared with the same period last year.

The fund provided around $1.3 billion in direct support to individuals and establishments benefiting from its training, empowerment and career guidance programs and services during the first six months of the year. More than 1.69 million Saudi citizens benefited from HRDF’s programs during the period.

The number of establishments benefiting from HRDF services also exceeded 171,000 across Saudi Arabia, representing a 25% increase from the first half of 2025.

Small, medium-sized and micro enterprises accounted for 95% of beneficiary establishments, highlighting the fund’s role in supporting businesses across different sectors and regions of the Kingdom.

HRDF’s programs are designed to support Saudi employment by helping citizens develop skills and access job opportunities, while assisting private-sector establishments in attracting, training and retaining national talent.

The latest figures come as Saudi Arabia continues to expand private-sector employment and workforce development initiatives as part of its broader efforts to increase Saudi participation in the labor market and strengthen the contribution of the private sector to economic growth.