The Saudi economy has achieved historic leaps since the launch of Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, announced that the national economy has achieved exceptional growth rates of 8% annually since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. This came during the government press conference, where Al-Falih reviewed the economic achievements that have made the Kingdom a unique model of stability and growth in light of a global economic climate characterized by anxiety and uncertainty.

Background and context of Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Vision 2030 was launched in 2016 as an ambitious roadmap aimed at fundamentally transforming the structure of the Saudi economy. The vision rests on three main pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Its primary objective was to reduce reliance on oil as the main source of income and diversify the economic base by developing promising sectors such as tourism, entertainment, technology, advanced industries, and logistics. The figures announced today by Minister Al-Falih are not merely positive indicators; they are tangible proof of the strategy's success in achieving its initial goals.

Economic indicators reflect the profound transformation

Al-Falih explained that the Kingdom's GDP has witnessed a remarkable doubling, jumping from SAR 2.6 trillion in 2016 to SAR 4.7 trillion in 2024. This growth is largely attributed to the increased contribution of non-oil sectors, which now account for 56% of the total economy, thus confirming the success of economic diversification policies. He added that gross fixed capital formation reached SAR 1.441 trillion, while total investment rose from SAR 672 billion in 2017 to SAR 1.44 trillion by the end of 2024, with expectations of exceeding SAR 1.5 trillion by 2025.

Positive impact on the labor market and society

The benefits of this growth were not limited to overall figures; their impact extended directly to the lives of citizens. The unemployment rate fell significantly from 13% to just over 7%, and approximately 800,000 new jobs were created in the national economy. Women's participation in the labor market witnessed a qualitative leap, with their contribution to the economy more than doubling—a key social and economic transformation driven by the Vision. Furthermore, the average wages of Saudis in the private sector increased by a cumulative rate exceeding 45%, boosting citizens' purchasing power and contributing to an improved standard of living.

The Kingdom is an attractive global investment destination

Al-Falih affirmed that these achievements have strengthened the Kingdom's position as a leading investment destination on the international stage. Foreign direct investment inflows reached SAR 119 billion in 2024, with projections exceeding SAR 140 billion in 2025. He also revealed the issuance of over 700 licenses to international companies that have decided to relocate their regional headquarters to the Kingdom, and an increase in the number of foreign investors to 62,000. These figures reflect growing global confidence in the strength of the Saudi economy and the sustainability of its growth, and confirm that the Kingdom is confidently moving towards a more prosperous and diversified future.

Announcement of the opening of applications for the “Opportunities” program

The Saudi Ministry of Education announced today (Monday) the opening of applications for the “Fursah” program, dedicated to those holding educational positions for the upcoming academic year 1447 AH. The Ministry clarified that the application period will run from 8 Sha’ban 1447 AH (corresponding to January 27, 2026) until 17 Sha’ban 1447 AH (corresponding to February 5, 2026), through the “Faris System” electronic platform.

Program background and strategic objectives

The “Opportunities” program was launched two years ago as part of the Ministry’s initiatives to develop work mechanisms and improve the education sector environment, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The program primarily aims to address the need for teaching positions at all levels, from schools, institutes, and special education programs to education departments and the Ministry headquarters. It works to achieve a balanced distribution of teaching staff across different regions and sectors, ensuring high-quality education for all students. This program represents a qualitative shift from traditional transfer procedures to a more flexible and transparent system based on available opportunities and required competencies.

Application process and available opportunities

The Ministry called on all those holding educational positions to log into their personal accounts on the “Faris System” to regularly check available opportunities and specializations and apply for them according to the approved procedure. The program allows applications for a variety of high-quality job opportunities, including teaching positions in different specializations, as well as opportunities in school structures (such as school principal or vice-principal) and supervisory structures (such as educational supervisor). This platform allows applicants to review the requirements of each opportunity and submit their applications electronically, thus facilitating the process and increasing professional development opportunities for teachers.

The importance and expected impact of the program

The “Opportunities” program is of paramount importance at the local level, as it empowers teachers and grants them greater freedom in planning their career paths and moving to positions or roles that align with their aspirations and experience. The program also enhances the efficiency of human resource management in the education sector by matching actual needs with available competencies. In the long term, the program is expected to increase job satisfaction among teachers and improve the overall performance of the education system, which will positively impact the quality of student learning outcomes and support the Kingdom's efforts to build a knowledge-based economy.