Saudi Arabia Jobless Rate Edges Down to 3.0%

The unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia fell to 3.0% in the second quarter of 2026 from 3.1% in the previous period, marking the lowest reading since Q1 2025. The jobless rate among non-Saudi nationals decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 1.3%, while that for Saudi nationals increased by 0.1 percentage points to 6.5%. By gender, unemployment among women rose to 7.6% from 7.2% in Q1, while the rate for men fell to 2.1% from 2.2%. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 67.2%, while the employment-to-population ratio edged up to 65.2% from 65.1%. Survey data showed that 96.7% of unemployed individuals were willing to accept job offers in the private sector. Many also demonstrated flexibility in work arrangements, with 62.2% of women and 46.7% of men willing to commute for an hour or more. In terms of working hours, 70.0% of unemployed Saudi women were willing to work at least eight hours a day, compared with 82.9% of unemployed Saudi men.

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.