Freelancing has become a significant economic driver in Saudi Arabia, with over 2.25 million people registered on the platform by September 2024.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched the “Future Work” company in 2019 to promote modern workstyles, such as remote work and flexible-hour freelancing, in an effort to boost the freelancing ecosystem. This growth reflects the growing popularity of flexible work.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the company’s goals are to increase employment opportunities, empower Saudi talent, and build a labour market that complements traditional employment while keeping up with global trends.
The Saudi Arabian economy greatly benefits from the work of freelancers. SR72.5 billion (USD 19 billion), or 2% of the Kingdom’s total output, was contributed to the GDP by the sector in 2023.
This demonstrates its contribution to strengthening the national economy and diversifying sources of income. Together with other initiatives, the program has helped lower unemployment rates in the Kingdom.
As part of “Vision 2030” objectives, Saudi Arabia has lowered its unemployment target from 7% to 5% by 2030.
In November, during a panel discussion at the Budget Forum 2024, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi described the Kingdom’s efforts to improve employment numbers and highlighted the progress. Saudis’ unemployment rate, according to Al-Rajhi, was 12% in 2018 but has since fallen to 7%.
For those who specialize in particular fields, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development grants freelance certificates that allow them to work independently on ministry-approved projects via the official freelance portal.
Future Work recently released a report highlighting the sector’s rapid growth and alignment with Vision 2030. With trade and retail accounting for the largest share of freelance work (38%), followed by industry at 13% and business services at 11%, the report also highlights the diversity of freelance work. The variety shows how flexible the industry is to different economic demands.