A strategic step towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced today (Thursday) the launch of a new and updated phase of the “Nitaqat Enhanced Program,” a strategic step aimed at boosting the participation of Saudi nationals in the labor market. This phase is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will extend for three years, targeting the Saudization of more than 340,000 jobs for Saudi men and women in private sector establishments. This will enhance the sustainability of the labor market and directly support the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Historical context: The evolution of the Nitaqat program since 2011

This announcement marks another step in the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to regulate the labor market, which effectively began with the launch of the Nitaqat program in 2011. The program was a turning point, classifying establishments into color-coded categories (red, yellow, green, and platinum) based on their Saudization rates, offering incentives to those who complied and imposing restrictions on those who did not. In 2021, the program underwent a significant transformation with the launch of Nitaqat Al-Mutawir (Developer Nitaqat), which abandoned fixed percentages and adopted a more dynamic model. This model links required Saudization rates to the number of employees in the establishment and the nature of the economic sector, thus providing greater flexibility for companies and directing Saudization towards high-quality jobs. The new phase, commencing in 2026, builds upon this developmental approach, focusing on creating sustainable jobs that align with future skills.

A flexible design that balances localization and private sector growth

His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, affirmed that the new phase was meticulously designed to achieve a delicate balance between two strategic objectives: empowering national talent and increasing their participation in the labor market, and supporting the growth of the private sector and ensuring the smooth continuity of its operations. Al-Rajhi explained that the program is based on a comprehensive analysis of the labor market and the capabilities of establishments across various sectors. He noted that the experiences of previous phases have demonstrated the competence of Saudi citizens and their ability to excel and succeed in various professions with high efficiency, which served as a primary motivation for launching this ambitious phase.

Importance and expected impact on the national economy

This phase is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Domestically, it will contribute to reducing unemployment rates, raising the skill level of the national workforce, and increasing citizens' contribution to the GDP. As the Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for the Labor Sector, Dr. Abdullah Abu Thnein, explained, the Ministry conducted in-depth analytical studies to ensure that the targeted Saudization rates are realistic and take into account the specific circumstances of each sector, thus promoting job stability and increasing productivity. Regionally and internationally, this step enhances the attractiveness of the Kingdom's investment environment, demonstrating a commitment to building a sustainable economy based on qualified national talent—something foreign investors seeking long-term partnerships look for. These policies also contribute to building a more diversified and resilient economy and reducing reliance on expatriate labor in vital sectors, thereby strengthening the Kingdom's long-term economic security.

A partnership between “Reemat Riyadh” and “Innovation” to enhance the capital’s infrastructure

In a significant step aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing the transportation system in the Saudi capital, Riyadh Development Company (RIMAAT Riyadh), the development arm of the Riyadh Municipality, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Innovation and Development for Information Technology. This partnership focuses on developing and operating modern off-street public parking facilities in 17 key locations, including areas adjacent to Riyadh Metro stations, representing a major boost to the city's infrastructure.

Project background and strategic objectives

This project comes in the context of Riyadh's rapid population and urban growth, which has led to increased demand for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. In line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, the Riyadh Municipality, through its development arm, seeks to find innovative solutions to address the challenges of traffic congestion and parking shortages. The project aims to encourage the use of public transportation, primarily the Riyadh Metro, by providing "Park and Ride" parking facilities that allow residents and visitors to leave their cars and continue their journeys efficiently and easily via the metro network.

Project details and targeted locations

Under the agreement, Innovation Company, the developer of the popular ParkAway app, will develop and operate organized surface parking facilities on 17 strategic plots of land. These include seven plots located near Riyadh Metro stations in vibrant neighborhoods such as Al-Shuhada, Al-Mansoura, and Al-Sahafa. Additionally, 10 other plots will be developed in high-traffic areas within the Al-Rahmaniyah, Al-Murabba, and Al-Nasiriyah neighborhoods. These facilities will occupy a total area of ​​approximately 60,000 square meters and are expected to provide nearly 1,700 organized parking spaces.

Expected impact on quality of life in the capital

This partnership is expected to have a tangible positive impact on Riyadh’s urban landscape. By increasing the supply of organized public parking, the project will help reduce haphazard parking and minimize vehicle intrusion into residential neighborhoods near commercial areas and metro stations. These parking spaces will also facilitate access to various destinations, both commercial and residential, thus improving the daily commute experience for residents and visitors. Abdullah Abudawood, CEO of Rimat Riyadh, emphasized that this initiative aims to maximize the utilization of municipal assets and develop sustainable regulatory solutions through partnerships with the private sector, thereby enhancing service efficiency and improving the overall mobility experience within the city.

The role of technology in improving user experience

For his part, Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Khalid, CEO of Innovation Company, explained that this partnership will leverage the company's expertise in managing public parking and utilize the advanced technological solutions offered by the "Park Away" application. The application will provide users with a seamless experience, including easy searching for available parking spaces, electronic payment, and reservation management, thereby increasing operational efficiency, reducing time wasted searching for parking, and enhancing the smart mobility system in Riyadh to match its status as a leading global capital.