Women’s participation in the Saudi economy is one of the key drivers of a multi-faceted growth in business activity. 

The kingdom has advanced women’s participation in the workforce, achieving one of Vision 2030’s key social and economic milestones a full decade ahead of schedule. Latest data shows the labour force participation rate for Saudi women reached 33.5%, a sharp rise from 22.8% in 2016. The original Vision 2030 goal of 30% has already been surpassed, prompting the government to revise the target upward to 40%. 

This surge in participation is the result of coordinated policy reforms. Measures included the removal of workplace restrictions, new legal protections such as equal pay and improved maternity leave laws, and a suite of business incentives encouraging companies to hire more women. To support working mothers, the government also expanded access to childcare and transportation services, further removing barriers to employment. 

Reforms have continued to broaden access and opportunity. Upskilling initiatives and educational investments have enabled Saudi women to enter a wider range of fields, including technology, health, retail, and logistics. 

Female entrepreneurship is also on the rise. In 2024, Saudi women owned 1.6 million commercial registrations – representing 41% of all registrations, up from 40% the previous year, This grwth reflects a broader effort to diversify the economy and strengthen the private sector by empowering women as both employees and business owners.

The labour market gains are unfolding alongside increased female participation in sports and recreation. Today, 40 women’s national teams represent the kingdom across 25 sports federations. Certified female coaches have tripled since 2022, reaching 103. In 2024, women accounted for 36% of Riyadh Marathon participants, while over 13,000 women between ages 35 and 50 enrolled in fitness programmes. More than 9,500 female athletes are now registered on the national Riyadi platform.