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Saudi Arabia on the path to global entertainment leadership with Vision 2030

The General Entertainment Authority has been driving the sector forward with a host of events across the Kingdom, including the ‘Riyadh Season’ celebrations. General Entertainment Authority
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Updated 19 July 2024
Nirmal Narayanan
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Saudi Arabia on the path to global entertainment leadership with Vision 2030

Updated 19 July 2024
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: When Saudi Arabia launched the General Entertainment Authority in 2016, skeptics were doubtful about its outcome as the Kingdom was just taking its nascent steps in the sector. 

Today, Saudi Arabia stands at the forefront of leisure and entertainment in the Middle East and North Africa, driven by ambitious investments and strategic initiatives under Vision 2030. 

Under this program, the Kingdom aims to inject $64 billion into the industry by the end of the decade, accompanied by the creation of over 100,000 jobs. 

From sprawling entertainment complexes in major cities to a thriving cinema sector, Saudi Arabia exemplifies how determined regulatory policies can transform a nascent industry into a pillar of economic growth and cultural development. 

“Driven by the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape has flourished rapidly,” said Devanshu Mathur, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group. 

“This transformation was initiated by the reopening of cinemas across the Kingdom in 2018, followed by the establishment of various entertainment offerings in 2019, such as Saudi Seasons and Boulevard Riyadh City, and the introduction of annual live music events like MDL Beast.”

SEVEN’s expansion




Play-Doh-themed entertainment centers will be rolled out across the Kingdom. File/supplied

A pivotal milestone in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment journey was the establishment of Saudi Entertainment Ventures, also known as SEVEN, in 2017. 

Backed by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, the company is set to invest $13.3 billion with international partners to develop 21 comprehensive entertainment destinations featuring over 150 attractions across 14 Saudi cities by the decade’s end. 

In 2023, SEVEN acquired AMC Entertainment Holdings’ 85 cinema screens in Saudi Arabia, solidifying its commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s cinematic landscape. 

“The acquisition of AMC’s stake in Saudi Arabia reflects SEVEN’s long-term strategy of bringing unparalleled experiences to the people and visitors of the Kingdom and contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030 goals,” said Abdullah Al-Dawood, chairman of SEVEN, at that time.  

In the same year, the company also signed a landmark agreement with Hasbro Inc. to introduce Play-Doh-themed entertainment centers nationwide, aimed at nurturing creativity among children while providing engaging family experiences. 

Al-Dawood added: “Children will be able to learn while having fun at our Play-Doh centers located at SEVEN entertainment destinations.”  

The centers will feature multi-level playscapes, creativity stations and sensory discovery activity spaces, as well as a café spot for parents to pass their time.  

“SEVEN is currently in its advanced stages of development. This initiative focuses on developing innovative entertainment experiences across multiple regions in KSA, targeting residents and domestic tourists,” said Boston Consulting Group’s Mathur. 

In May, Qiddiya Investment Co., owned by PIF, merged with SEVEN as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance its entertainment ecosystem and accelerate the construction of the multi-billion-dollar project. 

Commenting on the incorporation, Al-Dawood at that time stated that the move supported their efforts to promote a culture of playfulness and joy among all members of society, including citizens, residents, and visitors, thereby contributing positively to societal well-being. 

He added: “The step also aims to nurture knowledge, skills, and creativity among individuals, ultimately targeting to create a new concept of fun and improving quality of life through the development of an integrated and unprecedented entertainment system.”  




Devanshu Mathur, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group. Supplied

Cinematic evolution

Since the opening of the first cinema hall in the Kingdom in 2018, the sector has continually evolved, with the industry generating around $240 million in 2023. 

Mathur explained: “The number of cinema screens in Saudi Arabia has surged from zero to over 600, reflecting substantial growth in infrastructure. The cinema market has seen the entry of multiple global and regional players into the Kingdom.” 

He added: “Saudi Arabia’s box office market is the 15th largest in the world.” 

Moreover, in 2020, Saudi Arabia was the only cinema market worldwide to record box office gains, successfully doubling the number of theater screens despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The expansion of cinemas extends beyond major cities to include 22 cities across the Kingdom. These developments underline Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in establishing a robust and thriving cinema industry,” the Mathur added.  

In February, the Kingdom’s MEFIC Capital launched the Saudi Film Fund with a capital injection of $100 million, 40 percent of which comes from the nation’s Cultural Development Fund. 

This initiative aims to elevate local productions to international standards and marked the Cultural Fund’s inaugural investment venture. 

Global opportunities

Foreign companies seeking to enter Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector have vast opportunities due to the industry’s nascent stage, according to a Boston Consulting Group analysis. 

The consulting firm highlighted opportunities across the entire value chain of the Kingdom’s entertainment market, from design and development to operations. 

“Some companies have imported their existing entertainment brands and concepts to the Saudi market, leveraging their reputation and operational expertise,” said Mathur.  

Notable examples include Majid Al Futtaim’s VOX cinemas and Magic Planet entertainment centers, which have successfully introduced their renowned brands to the Kingdom. 

He added: “Some companies and brands look to partner with local development companies and license their intellectual properties to capitalize on their popular IPs while expanding their market reach. An example here would be what we’re observing with Dragon Ball in Qiddiya City or Mattel with SEVEN.”  

Boston Consulting Group noted that Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is set for significant growth with major projects like Qiddiya City, an expansive entertainment, sports, and cultural destination near Riyadh. 

The destination will feature assets such as Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks, the largest water park in the Middle East, and numerous other world-class attractions. 

“These landmarks are expected to attract millions of visitors annually, including residents and domestic and international tourists, establishing Saudi Arabia as a global entertainment hub,” concluded Boston Consulting Group.

Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation into a global entertainment hub underscores its commitment to economic diversification and cultural growth.

With ambitious projects like Qiddiya City and SEVEN’s extensive developments, the Kingdom is set to attract millions of visitors, solidifying its position as a leader in the entertainment industry.

This strategic vision not only enhances the quality of life for its citizens but also positions Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for global entertainment and leisure. 

Topics: main entertainment Saudi Entertainment Ventures Co. (SEVEN) General Entertainment Authority (GEA)

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UAE posts 4% GDP growth in 2024 as economic diversification accelerates

Updated 19 sec ago
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
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UAE posts 4% GDP growth in 2024 as economic diversification accelerates

Updated 19 sec ago
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

JEDDAH: The UAE’s gross domestic product reached 1.77 billion dirhams ($481.4 billion) in 2024, recording 4 percent growth, with non-oil sectors contributing 75.5 percent of the total, highlighting diversification progress.

The Central Bank of the UAE has maintained its real GDP growth forecast at 4 percent for 2024, with an expected acceleration to 4.5 percent in 2025 and 5.5 percent in 2026.

According to the Central Bank’s Quarterly Economic Review for December 2024, this growth outlook was supported by strong performances in tourism, transportation, financial and insurance services, construction and real estate, and communication sectors.

In comparison, Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the region, recorded a modest growth rate of 1.3 percent in 2024, with its non-oil sector contributing 54.8 percent of GDP as the Kingdom steadily advances its Vision 2030 reforms.

Qatar’s economy expanded by 2.4 percent, supported by non-hydrocarbon activities comprising nearly 64 percent of GDP, reflecting ongoing efforts to broaden its economic base.

Oman’s GDP grew by 1.7 percent, driven by a 3.9 percent increase in non-oil activities, particularly in industry and services, while Kuwait’s economy contracted by 2.7 percent in 2024 due to lower oil revenues under extended OPEC+ cuts, though its non-oil sector showed relative resilience with stronger private sector credit growth.

According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the non-oil GDP grew by 5 percent, totaling 1,342 billion dirhams, while oil-related activities contributed 434 billion dirhams to the overall economy.

Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri emphasized that the latest GDP figures released by the FCSC reflect a renewed and positive momentum in the national economy, according to the UAE’s official news agency.

He added that they further underscore the new milestones achieved by the UAE in economic diversification and competitiveness, guided by the vision and directives of its leadership.

The minister emphasized that “these indicators reflect the sustained success of the nation’s economic strategies, which are driving the transition toward an innovative, knowledge-based, and sustainable economic model aligned with global trends and emerging technologies,” WAM reported.

“With each milestone, we are moving closer to achieving the UAE’s target of raising GDP to 3 trillion dirhams by the next decade, while reinforcing its position as a global hub for the new economy, driven by sustainable development, international competitiveness, and forward-looking leadership,” Al-Marri said, as per WAM.

FCSC Managing Director Hanan Mansour Ahli emphasized that the UAE’s 4 percent GDP growth in 2024 reflects the country’s strong economic performance, driven by a forward-looking vision centered on sustainable, non-oil-led development.

As per the WAM report, the transport and storage sector was the fastest-growing contributor to the country’s GDP last year, expanding by 9.6 percent year-on-year. This surge was largely attributed to the outstanding performance of the country’s airports, which handled 147.8 million passengers—marking a rise of nearly 10 percent.

It added that the building and construction sector registered an 8.4 percent growth in 2024, driven by robust investments in urban infrastructure. Financial and insurance activities grew by 7 percent, while the hospitality sector, including hotels and restaurants, saw a 5.7 percent increase. 

The real estate sector also posted a 4.8 percent rise during the same period.

Based on the FCSC findings, the news agency stated that with regard to non-oil economic activities that contributed most to the GDP, the trade sector contributed 16.8 percent, the manufacturing sector accounted for 13.5 percent, and financial and insurance activities contributed 13.2 percent.

“Construction and building contributed 11.7 percent, while real estate activities accounted for 7.8 percent of the non-oil GDP,” it concluded.

According to WAM, passenger traffic through the UAE’s airports also saw a notable rise of 10 percent, reaching a total of 147.8 million travelers. 

Meanwhile, financial and insurance activities grew by 7 percent, while the hospitality sector, including restaurants and hotels, expanded by 5.7 percent. The real estate sector posted a 4.8 percent growth, underscoring its continued importance in the nation’s economic landscape.

Topics: economy GDP

Saudi inflation holds steady at 2.2% in May  

Updated 15 min 6 sec ago
Nour El-Shaeri 
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Saudi inflation holds steady at 2.2% in May  

Updated 15 min 6 sec ago
Nour El-Shaeri 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s annual consumer inflation edged up to 2.2 percent in May, with rental prices emerging as the principal driver behind the increase.  

The uptick was fueled by an 8.1 percent rise in housing rents, including a 7.1 percent increase in villa rental prices, according to the latest data released by the General Authority for Statistics. 

While inflation across the Middle East and Central Asia shows signs of easing, country-level dynamics remain mixed, with Egypt reporting 16.8 percent in May, Jordan at 1.98 percent, Saudi Arabia holding steady at 2.2 percent, and Dubai’s rate moderating to 2.3 percent in April. 

In a release, GASTAT stated: “On a monthly basis, the consumer price index remained stable in May 2025, recording a 0.1 percent increase compared to April 2025.” 

It added: “This was mainly due to a 0.3 percent rise in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels section, driven by a 0.4 percent increase in actual housing rent prices.” 

On a month-to-month basis, the consumer price index recorded only a modest increase, signaling relative price stability.  However, key segments such as housing, food and beverages, and personal goods and services contributed to the mild inflationary pressure, partially offset by declines in transportation and household furnishings. 

The Kingdom’s inflation dynamics in May highlight the ongoing strain in the housing sector, where rising rental costs have been the most significant inflationary force.  

The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels category saw a year-on-year increase of 6.8 percent, driven primarily by the sharp climb in actual rents.  

This sector carries the greatest weight in the consumer basket, representing 25.5 percent of the overall index, which significantly increases its impact on the national inflation rate. 

GASTAT stated that “rents paid for housing in May 2025 increased by 8.1 percent, attributed to a 7.1 percent increase in rental prices for villas,” underscoring the persistent demand pressures in the residential rental market. 

As urban development and population growth continue, rental affordability may remain a critical issue for policymakers. 

The upward trend in rents is being driven by a complex mix of structural and economic factors.  

Residential demand in Saudi Arabia’s largest cities, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah, has increased as urban populations grow and Vision 2030 development projects attract investment.  

Major initiatives such as NEOM and Jeddah Central are fueling this trend. At the same time, housing supply has not kept pace, especially in the rental market, despite a pipeline of 3.5 million residential units.  

Construction activity remains below the level needed to stabilize prices. Rising costs for building materials and labor have also pushed up developers’ expenses, contributing to higher rents.  

These dynamics reflect the Kingdom’s rapid urban development under Vision 2030, which aims for a 70 percent homeownership rate and a diversified economy.  

However, as mortgage-backed homeownership increases, rental demand remains strong, continuing to perpetuate upward pressure on rents. 

In addition to housing, food and beverage prices rose by 1.6 percent compared to May 2024, largely driven by a 2.8 percent increase in the prices of meat and poultry. 

These gains coincide with trends observed in the wholesale sector, where the prices of agricultural and fishery products jumped by 4.4 percent over the same period.  

Agricultural products alone posted a 6.2 percent rise, and fishing products increased by 6.1 percent, indicating upstream cost pressures that are gradually being passed on to consumers. 

The personal goods and services category also saw a notable annual rise of 4 percent, led by a 24.4 percent increase in prices of jewelry, watches, and precious antiques.  

This increase, while potentially reflecting stronger discretionary spending, also suggests elevated pricing in the luxury goods segment. Meanwhile, catering services drove a 1.8 percent increase in restaurant and hotel prices, adding modestly to overall inflation. 

Education and health costs recorded limited inflation, with education rising by 1.3 percent, primarily due to a 5.6 percent increase in non-university post-secondary costs.  

Health-related prices remained broadly stable, providing some relief in an otherwise inflationary environment. 

However, certain sectors experienced deflationary pressures. Furnishings and household equipment prices dropped by 2.5 percent year on year, largely because of a 4 percent decline in furniture, carpets, and flooring prices. 

Clothing and footwear prices fell by 0.9 percent, driven by a 2.7 percent reduction in footwear prices.  

Transport costs also decreased by 0.8 percent, as the price of vehicle purchases dropped by 1.9 percent. 

These categories helped counterbalance some of the broader upward pressures on the index. 

On a monthly basis, the CPI’s 0.1 percent increase was relatively muted. Food and beverage costs rose by 0.1 percent, while personal goods and services increased by 0.5 percent, and tobacco prices ticked up 0.2 percent. 

However, several categories saw declines: transportation fell 0.2 percent, recreation and culture decreased 0.1 percent, furnishings dropped 0.7 percent, clothing and footwear slipped 0.4 percent, and communication declined 0.1 percent.  

The prices of education, health, and restaurants and hotels showed no significant month-over-month changes. 

Wholesale Price Index 

The broader inflation picture is reinforced by wholesale price data, which showed a 2 percent year-on-year increase in the wholesale price index in May. 

The WPI tracks the prices of goods before they reach the retail level, offering insights into future consumer price trends.  

The rise was mainly driven by the same categories that affected the CPI: agriculture and fishery products, which increased by 4.4 percent, and other transportable goods, excluding metals and machinery, which rose by 4.3 percent. 

“This increase was primarily driven by an 8.2 percent rise in the prices of refined petroleum products,” the WPI report stated.  

Furniture and other transportable goods not elsewhere classified recorded a sharp 9 percent increase, further signaling inflationary pressures in non-essential consumer goods. 

Conversely, wholesale prices of metal products, machinery, and equipment fell by 0.3 percent, affected by a 5.1 percent decline in the prices of radio, television, and communication equipment, as well as a 3.3 percent decrease in general-purpose machinery prices.  

The prices of ores and minerals dropped by 1.5 percent, reflecting a general cooling in commodity prices, mainly due to a reduction in the prices of stone and sand. 

Monthly changes in the WPI were largely flat, recording no overall change from April.  

A slight 0.1 percent rise in the prices of transportable goods and ores was balanced out by a 0.3 percent decline in agricultural products and a 0.2 percent fall in metal and digital machinery prices. 

Topics: CPI GASTAT Inflation

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Saudi Arabia’s Almarai to acquire Pure Beverages Industry Co. in $277m deal 

Updated 59 min 28 sec ago
MIGUEL HADCHITY 
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Saudi Arabia’s Almarai to acquire Pure Beverages Industry Co. in $277m deal 

  • Transaction will be funded through Almarai’s internal cash flows
  • Pure Beverages Industry Co. is a bottled drinking water producer in the Kingdom
Updated 59 min 28 sec ago
MIGUEL HADCHITY 

RIYADH: Saudi dairy giant Almarai has signed an agreement to fully acquire Pure Beverages Industry Co. for SR1.04 billion ($277 million), aiming to diversify its offerings and enhance its market position. 

Pure Beverages Industry Co. is a bottled drinking water producer in the Kingdom, known for its “Ival” and “Oska” brands. The company operates modern facilities and follows established production standards with a focus on quality and sustainability.  

Mergers and acquisitions are on the rise in Saudi Arabia as the nation pursues economic diversification and privatization efforts under Vision 2030, a strategy that promotes foreign investment and supports local entrepreneurship. 

In a statement, Almarai stated: “This strategic acquisition is in line with Almarai’s plan to diversify its beverage offerings and enhance its market position. We believe this deal will create added value for our shareholders.” 

The transaction will be funded through Almarai’s internal cash flows and is subject to fulfilling all contractual conditions and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals in the Kingdom.  

Almarai also confirmed that there are no related parties involved in the transaction and pledged to disclose any material updates regarding the deal in the future. 

Founded in 1977, Almarai is one of the largest food production and distribution companies in the Middle East, offering fresh dairy, yogurt and cheese, as well as juices, baked goods, poultry, and infant nutrition products. Listed on Tadawul since 2005, it remains one of the market’s highest-valued companies. 

According to the General Authority for Statistics, bottled water was the primary source of drinking water used by households in Saudi Arabia in 2023, with a reliance rate of 57.24 percent. This was followed by public network water at 23.56 percent and tanker water at 18.60 percent. 

Given the heavy reliance on bottled water, the Saudi Water Authority plays a pivotal role in regulating and improving water sources — ensuring sustainability, safety, and accessibility across all supply methods. 

The authority is the competent body in the Kingdom for all water system affairs at the supervisory and regulatory levels, providing strategic support to the sector through regulatory control and supervision. 

Topics: Almarai

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Gulf markets fall as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

Updated 15 June 2025
Reuters
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Gulf markets fall as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

  • Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight into Sunday
Updated 15 June 2025
Reuters

DUBAI/BANGALORE: Stock markets across the Gulf fell on Sunday morning after Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight, sparking fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East.

Israel said it had targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders in strikes that started on Friday and continued over the following days, in what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

Iran responded by launching attacks on Israel and calling off Sunday’s nuclear talks that the US said were the only way to halt Israel’s bombing.

The Qatari stock market index slid 2.9 percent by around 10:15 Saudi time, with almost all constituents in negative territory. Among them, Qatar Gas Transport Nakilat extended losses and was down 3.1 percent, while Qatar Electricity and Water Company was down 1.7 percent.

Qatar National Bank, the Gulf’s biggest lender, retreated 3.3 percent.

Israel late on Saturday attacked Iranian energy infrastructure, including an offshore installation on the South Pars gas field, which Iran shares with Qatar, and is the source of most of the gas produced in Iran, stoking fears of potential disruption to the region’s energy exports.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index recovered some ground to trade 1.6 percent lower, after plunging 3.6 percent at the open as stocks fell across sectors.

In Kuwait, where the main index was down 4.3 percent, shares in Jazeera Airways fell as much as 10 percent, as airlines avoided the airspace over most of the region.

Elsewhere in the Gulf and wider Middle East, the Muscat Stock Exchange registered a 1.5 percent fall, the Bahrain index eased by 0.8 percent, while Tel Aviv stocks opened lower by 1.5 percent.

Oman was a mediator between Iran and the US in the nuclear talks.

The Dubai and Abu Dhabi bourses in the UAE, which will reopen on Monday, closed down 1.9 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively, on Friday.

Topics: Gulf Stock Markets Israel-Iran conflict

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Saudi Arabia reshapes workforce with surge in talent mobility solutions

Updated 14 June 2025
Reem Walid
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Saudi Arabia reshapes workforce with surge in talent mobility solutions

  • Talent mobility services are emerging as a pivotal force in reshaping Kingdom’s employment landscape
Updated 14 June 2025
Reem Walid

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its Vision 2030 transformation agenda, talent mobility services are emerging as a pivotal force in reshaping the Kingdom’s employment landscape — streamlining transitions, boosting retention, and aligning workforce development with national diversification goals.

From artificial intelligence-powered human resource platforms to targeted upskilling programs and strategic internal marketplaces, both private firms and public initiatives are facilitating dynamic career transitions. These interventions are not only transforming the experience of work in Saudi Arabia but also supporting businesses in building a more agile, tech-enabled, and future-ready workforce.

A shift toward internal agility

As the labor market evolves, the focus has moved from external recruitment to creating an internally sustainable talent ecosystem. According to Francesco Cotrone, partner at Arthur D. Little, providers are enabling this transformation by deploying tools such as internal job marketplaces, AI-driven role matching systems, and strategic workforce planning platforms.

“These technologies not only give employees visibility into internal opportunities but also match them to roles based on both current capabilities and future potential,” he said.

The result is a shift away from static, linear career paths toward more flexible, opportunity-rich trajectories. This is particularly critical in fast-growing sectors such as logistics, tourism, and ICT, where the ability to reskill and redeploy talent quickly has become a competitive differentiator.

Cotrone cited Taqat, a leading domestic talent mobility service provider, as a prime example. The company’s employee transition program assesses individual skills and delivers customized training to support career moves across industries.

“As it works to connect skilled workers with employers in high-demand sectors such as technology and healthcare, Taqat facilitates seamless transitions, enhances career opportunities, and addresses critical skill shortages in the evolving job market,” he added.

Navigating compliance and change

Saudi Arabia’s workforce is also being shaped by demographic and regulatory dynamics. Abeer Al-Husseini, partner at Fragomen, noted that by the end of 2024, the Kingdom’s foreign workforce had grown to over 13.6 million, marking a 13.3 percent year-on-year increase and a 33.4 percent jump since 2019.

“In this environment, mobility providers are essential in helping businesses navigate regulatory frameworks such as Saudization policies under the Nitaqat program, sector-specific quotas, and compliance obligations set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development,” Al-Husseini said.

These services often manage interactions with multiple government platforms — such as Qiwa and GOSI — while enabling fast, compliant transitions across functions and sectors. This reduces administrative friction and helps ensure continuity amid shifting business conditions.

She emphasized that talent mobility providers not only facilitate expatriate integration but are also playing a vital role in embedding Saudi nationals into the private sector. By supporting strategic workforce planning and Saudization targets, these providers align with national human capital development priorities.

From recruitment to retention

Modern mobility is no longer just about hiring — it’s about mapping skills, identifying gaps, and supporting long-term workforce evolution. Faisal Al-Sarraj, KSA deputy country leader and consulting clients and markets leader at PwC Middle East, underscored the value of internal talent marketplaces — digital tools that align employee skills and interests with internal opportunities.

“As Saudi Arabia continues to advance under Vision 2030, organizations need to be proactive in building teams with the needed market skills. Talent mobility helps with this by upskilling and cross-training existing employees,” Al-Sarraj told Arab News.

He acknowledged that while external hiring remains necessary for certain critical roles, internal mobility is gaining ground as a strategy for boosting retention and responsiveness. 

Mobility providers are essential in helping businesses navigate regulatory frameworks, sector-specific quotas, and compliance obligations.

Abeer Al-Husseini, partner at Fragomen

“Providers also help organizations shift from reactive hiring to proactive workforce planning. By using advanced tools, they help companies forecast what skills will be needed in the future and develop strategies to reskill employees. Providers like Mercer, Adecco, Bayt, and Naseej are doing an excellent job in this space,” he said.

Serge Eid, a member of Bain & Co.’s Public Sector practice, noted that providers are extending their services beyond hiring logistics to include skilling initiatives and regional talent deployment — key factors for scaling in emerging sectors.

“This support has become increasingly critical as businesses look to scale quickly, pivot into new sectors, or access regional talent pools,” Eid said. “They also support Vision 2030’s broader push for a more dynamic and globally integrated labor market.”

AI and reskilling for career growth

Mobility providers are increasingly focusing on reskilling and internal progression through AI-driven tools that align employee growth with business and national objectives.

Cotrone highlighted the growing need for new roles such as AI specialists and data analysts, which are being addressed through targeted training programs. 

Importantly, these services enhance retention by making career development tangible.

Francesco Cotronei, partner at Arthur D. Little

“Importantly, these services enhance retention by making career development tangible. Companies that offer clear growth pathways, mentoring, and internal mobility opportunities are not only accelerating role fulfillment. They’re also building employee loyalty, engagement, and hence, retention,” he said.

Al-Husseini added that talent mobility providers help businesses reimagine career paths as technology and regulations evolve.

PwC’s Al-Sarraj cited platforms such as Pymetrics, Fuel50, and Cornerstone OnDemand that offer employees AI-powered tools to map career journeys and personalize upskilling efforts.

He referenced a recent collaboration between Education for Employment Saudi Arabia and Agility, which launched a program using AI tools to help young job seekers tailor their applications and navigate the job market. 

These efforts not only fill capability gaps but also signal long-term investment in people.

Serge Eid, member of Bain & Co.’s public sector practice

“This is a perfect example of how talent mobility can help not just in employee transitions but also in creating a workforce that’s future-ready,” Al-Sarraj noted.

Eid added that such investments in internal mobility signal long-term commitment to employee growth, improving loyalty and performance.

“These efforts not only fill capability gaps but also signal long-term investment in people, which in turn drives loyalty, higher engagement, and better performance,” he said.

Strategic drivers for 2025 and beyond

Looking ahead, talent mobility is poised to become a central driver of workforce strategy in Saudi Arabia. Cotrone expects key trends to include personalized, experience-rich career paths and an increasing demand for data analytics literacy.

“Talent mobility providers will increasingly act as strategic partners, helping organizations create adaptive, future-proof talent ecosystems,” he said.

He added: “Talent mobility will be recognized not just as a business advantage but as a profound national imperative. As organizations invest in intelligent, internally driven workforce systems, they will unlock new pathways for growth and ensure that Saudi talent remains competitive, empowered, and at the heart of the Kingdom’s cross-sectoral transformation journey.”

Al-Husseini projected that companies would require rapid, compliant deployment solutions as sectors like healthcare, tourism, and tech expand. At the same time, local workforce development will become a priority, with providers playing a key role in integrating Saudi talent through internal mobility frameworks and reskilling for leadership roles.

She also pointed to the rise of hybrid and remote work, particularly in sustainability-related “green jobs,” requiring providers to support flexible, compliant mobility strategies.

PwC’s Al-Sarraj emphasized the growing role of predictive workforce planning, enabled by real-time data analytics.

“The alignment between workforce mobility and national upskilling initiatives will also be a major trend,” he said. He highlighted initiatives like Wa3d, which aims to provide 3 million training opportunities, and the Skills Accelerator, targeting 300,000 placements in emerging fields.

“Talent mobility providers will connect these initiatives to real job opportunities, ensuring that individuals gain the right skills and can apply them directly in the workforce,” he said.

He also cited the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s Skills Taxonomy — a tool to align labor capabilities with evolving job demands. Cross-sector mobility, especially in digital health and green energy, is expected to play a vital role.

“Talent mobility providers will drive transitions, helping build a skilled, adaptable workforce essential to realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and sustaining long-term growth,” he added.

From Bain & Co.’s standpoint, Eid believes mobility will evolve into a strategic lever rather than just an operational function.

“AI-led workforce planning, demand forecasting, and personalized career pathways will increasingly inform mobility decisions,” he said. “Organizations that view mobility as part of a broader talent strategy will likely be better positioned to navigate future workforce shifts and build resilience in a rapidly changing environment.”

Topics: Saudi Arabia Mobility Saudi workforce

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