Saudi Women Leading Enterprise Growth & Workforce Participation

• Contribution of women in the economic development of Saudi Arabia is continually growing according to National Observatory for Women.
• Recent numbers show significant growth in the labour market, entrepreneur and innovator sectors.
• Saudi Arabia saw improvements in the Gender Gap Index.

The role of women in the ongoing evolution of Saudi Arabia's economy continues to grow; more than ever before, women are participating in the workforce and owning businesses as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. 

According to the National Observatory for Women, 2025 was a watershed year for women's empowerment and a significant milestone toward achieving the Kingdom's vision, as women's empowerment became an integral component of achieving economic prosperity, improving living standards and developments of the nation.

The most recent numbers show significant growth in the labour market, entrepreneur and innovator sectors. Dr. Sanaa Al-Otaibi, who serves as the Director of the National Observatory for Women, stated that by 2025, 34.2 percent of women had entered the workforce.

Even with significant barriers to women in the workplace still present, women's economic participation rates also increased to 36.3 percent across a variety of sectors within the economy.

This growth also demonstrates the ongoing integration of women into the workforce and economic activity in the Kingdom. In addition, the statistics show the rapid growth of women entrepreneurs, which is aiding in diversifying the economy and promoting economic growth.

In 2024 and 2025, a large number of Saudi women received international patents as their participation continues to play a key role in the knowledge-based business environment.

Al-Otaibi added that Saudi Arabia is among the countries that ranked highest in the World Bank's "Women, Business, and Law" report for 2026.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia saw improvements in the Gender Gap Index, and has had Saudi women recognized internationally for their accomplishments in innovation, science, and sustainability.

According to Al-Otaibi, it is anticipated that women will be more heavily involved in new sectors of the economy, including the green economy, the purple economy and the digital economy. 

Also involved will be women working with technology in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology; while also assuming leadership roles in key sectors and in creating community development.

The continued growth of women's participation is expected to support and assist as it grows the economy of Saudi Arabia through economic diversification and continued development in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.