Saudi Arabia Jobless Rate Falls to 3.1%

The unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia fell to 3.1% in the first quarter of 2026 from 3.5% in the previous period, marking the lowest reading since Q1 2025. The jobless rate among Saudi nationals decreased by 0.8 percentage points to 6.4%, while that for non-Saudis increased to 1.5%. By gender, unemployment among women moderated to 7.2% from 8.2% in Q4 2025, while the rate for men fell to 2.2% from 2.5%. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged down to 67.2% from 67.4%, while the employment-to-population ratio rose slightly to 65.1% from 65.0%. Survey data showed that 95.8% of unemployed individuals were willing to accept job offers in the private sector. Many also demonstrated flexibility in work arrangements, with 60.4% of women and 45.3% of men willing to commute for an hour or more. In terms of working hours, 68.2% of unemployed Saudi women were willing to work at least eight hours a day, compared with 82.8% of unemployed Saudi men.

The unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia rose to 3.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 3.4% in the previous period. The jobless rate stood at 7.2% for Saudi nationals and 1.7% for non-Saudis. By gender, unemployment among females eased to 8.2% from 9.4% in Q2, while the rate for males rose to 2.5% from 2.2%. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate slipped to 67.4% from 66.9%, and the employment-to-population ratio rose to 65.0% from 64.6%. Survey data showed that 95.9% of unemployed Saudis are willing to accept job offers in the private sector. Survey findings indicate strong openness among unemployed Saudis to private sector opportunities, with 95.9% willing to take such roles. Many also show flexibility in work arrangements, about 63.8% of women and 46.2% of men, are prepared to travel an hour or more for a job. In terms of working hours, 67.8% of unemployed Saudi women are willing to work at least eight hours a day, while this rises to 83.0% among men.

The unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia rose to 3.4% in the third quarter of 2025, up from 3.2% in the previous period. The jobless rate stood at 7.5% for Saudi nationals and 1.4% for non-Saudis. By gender, unemployment among females fell to 9.4% from 11.3% in Q2, while the rate for males declined to 2.2% from 4.3%. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate eased to 66.9% from 67.1%, and the employment-to-population ratio slipped to 64.6% from 65.0%. Survey data showed that 95.3% of unemployed Saudis are willing to accept private-sector jobs. Among them, 61.0% of women and 42.7% of men are willing to commute for at least an hour, while 70.6% of women and 86.7% of men are open to working eight hours or more per day.