In a strategic move aimed at aligning labor market policies with the major economic transformations underway in the Kingdom, the General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development signed a memorandum of understanding to activate and regulate freelance work in the entertainment sector. This signing, which took place on the sidelines of the third edition of the International Labor Market Conference 2026 in Riyadh, outlines a new future for Saudi talent in one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors.

General context: The entertainment sector and Vision 2030

The entertainment sector is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its economy away from oil and enhance the quality of life for its citizens and residents. Since the Vision’s launch, the sector has witnessed unprecedented growth, hosting major international events and organizing massive seasons and festivals, creating a surge in demand for specialized talent. In this context, “freelance work” has emerged as an ideal work model suited to the seasonal and flexible nature of entertainment projects, necessitating clear regulatory frameworks to protect the rights of all parties and enhance the sector’s attractiveness to talent.

Memorandum objectives and details

The memorandum aims to build a comprehensive institutional partnership between the two entities to establish the necessary regulatory and procedural frameworks to support freelancers. Under this collaboration, the contractual relationship between freelancers and companies operating in the sector will be regulated, enhancing their job security and providing them with a safe and motivating work environment. The agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al-Humaid, Executive Vice President of Human Capital and Administrative Affairs at the General Entertainment Authority, and Hatem Al-Balla, Undersecretary for Localization at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, reflecting a high-level commitment to the success of this initiative.

Expected impact at the local and regional levels

This memorandum is expected to have a profound positive impact locally, opening up broad career opportunities for Saudi youth and allowing them to invest their talents in diverse fields such as event management, artistic direction, marketing, and logistics. It will also contribute to raising the level of professionalism and quality of outputs in entertainment events. Economically, this initiative supports the growth of the informal economy and enhances the entertainment sector's contribution to the GDP.

Regionally and internationally, this move solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading entertainment destination in the Middle East. The existence of a regulated freelance market makes the Kingdom an attractive environment for international investors and event organizers, who can now rely on a reliable database of local professional talent, facilitating the staging of world-class events and fostering cultural exchange.

A step towards achieving national goals

For his part, Al-Humaid stressed that this memorandum represents an important step towards supporting the freelance work system in the entertainment sector, noting that it will contribute to attracting and empowering national talents, expanding the base of job opportunities, and raising the efficiency of the labor market, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in developing human capital and enhancing the participation of citizens in promising sectors.

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced forecasts of rainfall in seven major regions, based on analysis of the advanced Saudi numerical weather prediction model. The rain is expected to begin Wednesday evening and continue through Thursday, covering a wide area stretching from the southwest to the Eastern Province.

Details of the areas affected by the rainfall

According to a statement issued by the center via its official account on the “X” platform, the chances of rainfall will initially include parts of the Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, and Makkah regions. As the weather system develops, its effects are expected to extend later to include the Qassim region, in addition to the northern and western parts of the Riyadh region, reaching as far as the Eastern Province, indicating a widespread weather system affecting large parts of the country.

The climatic context and the importance of rainfall for the Kingdom

These forecasts come during a climatic transition period, as the Kingdom experiences frequent weather fluctuations. Rainfall is of paramount importance in Saudi Arabia due to its predominantly desert landscape. This rainfall directly contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves, supporting the agricultural sector, and improving vegetation cover, in addition to its role in moderating the climate and lowering temperatures. Monitoring and accurately forecasting these rainfall patterns is vital for effective water resource planning and management.

Expected effects and a call for caution

With rainfall expected, the likelihood of flash floods in valleys and ravines increases, particularly in mountainous areas and the southwestern highlands. Rain may also affect traffic in major cities due to water accumulation on some roads and reduced visibility. In this context, the National Center of Meteorology reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from floodplains and wadi beds, and follow the center's weather updates and reports regularly through its official channels to take necessary precautions and ensure everyone's safety.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, announced the commencement of the second phase of the decision to Saudize dental professions in private sector establishments, raising the target percentage to 55%. This decision is a strategic step within a series of initiatives aimed at empowering national talent and enhancing their presence in the labor market, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Historical background and context of the decision

This decision is an extension of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to localize vital sectors, particularly the healthcare sector, which is a top priority. This second phase complements the first phase, launched on March 10, 2023, which aimed for a 35% localization rate. The gradual approach to increasing localization rates aims to allow the private sector to adapt to the new requirements and ensure a smooth transition that does not affect the quality of services provided, while also opening up broad career opportunities for Saudi dental graduates.

Details of the second phase and implementation mechanisms

The ministry clarified that the second phase of the decision applies to all private sector establishments employing three or more dental professionals. To ensure the decision's effectiveness and the achievement of its objectives, the procedural guide outlines clear conditions. For a Saudi dentist to be counted towards the Saudization quota, their registered monthly salary with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) must be at least SAR 9,000. Furthermore, the dentist must hold a valid professional accreditation from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, thus guaranteeing the maintenance of quality standards and professional competence within the sector.

The importance and expected impact of the decision

The decision to increase the Saudization rate in dentistry is of paramount importance on both the economic and social levels. Locally, it directly contributes to reducing unemployment rates among dental school graduates and providing them with decent and motivating job opportunities. It also enhances job security for qualified Saudi nationals and encourages young people to pursue careers in healthcare. Economically, the decision recirculates a significant portion of the funds previously spent on expatriate salaries within the local economy, thus supporting economic growth. In the long term, the decision is expected to raise the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens and residents by relying on qualified and highly trained Saudi professionals.

Government support and adherence to regulations

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development confirmed that it will provide a package of support and incentive programs for private sector establishments that comply with the decision, in cooperation with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). These programs include support for recruitment, training, and qualification processes, as well as assistance in attracting suitable talent. The Ministry also urged all establishments to adhere to the decision to avoid the legal penalties that will be imposed on violators, emphasizing that the Ministry of Health will monitor the implementation of the decision to ensure it meets the requirements of the labor market and the objectives of the healthcare sector transformation program.