RIYADH. Saudi Arabia’s freelance sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 2.25 million professionals registered on the national freelance platform as of September 2024, according to a new report by Future Work.
The sector, which contributed SAR72.5 billion (2% of GDP) in 2023, has emerged as a vital component of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. Trade and retail dominate the freelance market at 38%, followed by industry (13%) and business services (11%).
“The freelance economy represents a fundamental shift in Saudi Arabia’s labor market,” says [spokesperson name] from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which established Future Work in 2019 to promote modern work styles.
Demographics reveal that Riyadh leads with 27% of the country’s freelancers, followed by Makkah (22%) and the Eastern Region (14%). The majority of freelancers hold bachelor’s degrees (62%), while 31% are high school graduates. The 25-34 age group dominates the sector, indicating strong youth participation.
Notably, the report highlights a potential surge in women’s participation, with 3.2 million women expressing interest in freelance opportunities. This aligns with government initiatives aimed at increasing female workforce participation while offering work-life balance.
The government continues to support the sector through various programs, including Reef, the Social Development Bank, and the Human Resources Development Fund, creating a robust ecosystem for freelance professionals.
For more details on freelancing opportunities and regulations, visit futurework.com.sa