Youth Empowerment

Guided by Vision 2030, which underscores the essential role of Saudi youth as a key pillar of development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to invest in the energies of youth and open up new horizons for them. To this end, government entities have developed numerous innovative programs and projects within the framework of the National Transformation initiatives to achieve the vision's ambitious objectives. The Kingdom is committed to upholding the principles of sustainable development, striving to balance economic growth, social progress, and environmental conservation. Empowering youth and providing them with appropriate opportunities are among the state's top priorities, as youth are recognized as a driving force for the Kingdom’s future and prosperity.

The Government of Saudi Arabia is committed to empowering and supporting youth by providing safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments that enhance their comprehensive participation in various economic, political, and social spheres. The Kingdom also aims to eliminate obstacles that impede their access to rights guaranteed by law, enabling them to realize their full potential. Within the framework of Vision 2030, youth play a crucial role in achieving its objectives. They lead national activities and initiatives and actively contribute to developmental projects and programs. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, may Allah protect him, emphasized the significance of youth, stating: "Our greatest asset, one that surpasses all other assets, is an ambitious people, most of whom are young. They are the pride of our nation and the guarantors of its future, with Allah's help."

Volunteer work is a hallmark of vibrant societies, playing a key role in harnessing individual potential and enhancing their contributions to serve the nation.

Building on this principle, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has supported the launch of a Saudi volunteer initiative. This initiative aims to create a safe environment that facilitates the connection between organizations offering volunteer opportunities and individuals seeking to volunteer throughout Saudi Arabia.

The initiative focuses on achieving several key objectives, including the following:

• Facilitating access to volunteer opportunities for individuals seeking to contribute their time and skills
• Sending notifications about available opportunities tailored to the interests of volunteers.
• Tracking and documenting volunteer hours.
• Providing specialized volunteer opportunities that create social and economic impact.

The ministry has also established volunteer management departments within nonprofit organizations. These departments are responsible for identifying volunteer needs, recruiting, and assigning volunteers based on their skills and the organization's requirements. Additionally, volunteers are qualified and trained for the required tasks, supervised during their performance, and recognized for their contributions, with their achievements highlighted upon the completion of their volunteer work.

The initiative also involves standardizing systems and regulatory guidelines, as well as promoting the concept of specialized volunteering. This approach aims to engage experts in addressing specific needs and enhancing the specialization of organizations. These efforts align with the training programs provided by the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), contributing to the improved empowerment and preparation of volunteers.

Misk Foundation

This is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. The foundation aims to promote learning and develop leadership skills among youth for a brighter future in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, Misk supports youth across the Kingdom, providing various means to nurture and empower creative talents and energies, creating a healthy environment for their growth and pushing them to flourish and reach their full potential.

The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) supports Saudi youth in two primary areas: education and entrepreneurship, with science and technology serving as a supportive field. This is accomplished by designing programs and establishing partnerships with local and global organizations to enhance efforts aimed at building an advanced, knowledge-based society.

The Foundation aims to achieve these goals by designing programs and establishing partnerships with local and international organizations across various fields. Additionally, it invests in developing intellectual capital and unlocking the potential of Saudi youth through a range of incubators.

Misk believes that its institutional presence will support the advancement of efforts toward a knowledge-based society, ultimately bringing fulfillment and added value to Saudi society.

This Job Incentives for the Non-Profit Sector Program is part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's efforts under the Workforce Development Initiative. It aims to create high-quality jobs that attract top talent. The program seeks to empower the nonprofit sector and improve its work environment, thereby enhancing its capacity to generate appealing and sustainable job opportunities. Objectives include the following:

• Reducing unemployment and creating thousands of new job opportunities.
• Strengthening the impact of nonprofit organizations and increasing their contribution to GDP from 0.6% to 5%, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
• Enhancing women's involvement in the nonprofit sector.

The Ten Incentives 

The Ministry’s Deputy for Social Development conducted a comprehensive study to identify essential employment incentives for the nonprofit sector. The study produced an extensive list of 39 incentives, which was subsequently narrowed down to the ten most prioritized options. Based on this analysis, the "Job Incentives for the Nonprofit Sector Program" was launched to establish an actionable regulatory framework. These incentives may include the following benefits:

• Flexible Work Incentive: arrangements that allow for flexibility in work regarding location, hours, days, and other factors.
• Competitive Leave Incentive: Policies that provide competitive coverage for various types of work leave.
• Diverse Employment Contract Incentives: Providing appealing employment contracts customized for various employee categories, ensuring job security and attracting top talent.
• Performance Evaluation and Compensation Incentives: A comprehensive assessment of employee performance, accompanied by corresponding benefits and rewards for both the employee and the organization.
• Health Insurance Incentive: Improving health insurance coverage and care by offering competitive and appealing benefits.
• Retirement Pension Incentives: Providing various pension system options within social insurance.
• Career Paths and Professional Development Incentives: Designing professional career paths aligned with job competencies, implementing training programs, and organizing employee secondments and rotations both within and outside the sector.
• Funding Facilitation Incentive: Simplifying access to financial services from banks, including home loans, auto loans, personal financing, and more.
• Daycare Support Incentive: Offering suitable daycare assistance through cash allowances or direct services within organizations.
• Work Environment and Culture Enhancement Incentive: Providing comprehensive solutions aimed at improving the work environment and culture within nonprofit organizations, optimizing workplace arrangements, effective planning, developing policies and procedural guidelines, enhancing transparency and accountability, measuring the organization's social impact, and more.

- To view the program's profile, please click here.

Hadaf

This is an e-training platform provided by the Human Resources Development Fund. Its goal is to enhance the skills and capabilities of the national workforce, both male and female, by equipping them with job-related skills necessary for securing suitable employment and achieving job stability in accordance with the requirements of the Saudi labor market. The platform offers a diverse array of e-training programs and free training tracks on various topics, all tailored to meet the needs of the job market. These resources are accessible at any time and from any location.

Tamheer Program

Tamheer is an on-the-job training program designed for university, institute, and college graduates from both Saudi and foreign institutions. It is open to recent graduates as well as individuals with prior work experience who have not been registered in the Social Insurance or Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development systems for at least six months prior to enrolling in the program. Participants receive training at government institutions, leading companies, and international organizations with branches in the Kingdom. To register, please click here.

Hadaf Academy for Leadership

This academy aims to prepare and develop future national leaders from the private sector, regardless of gender, enabling them to lead organizations in the Kingdom. This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting qualitative localization of leadership that is capable of creative and innovative planning.

Job Search Subsidy Program

The Job Search Subsidy Program aims to support job seekers by providing a gradually decreasing financial subsidy, starting at SR 2,000, for the duration of 15 months. The program also offers a comprehensive range of employment and training services to assist participants in securing jobs. It specifically targets job seekers who are preparing to enter the labor market within the first two years of completing their education or training, as well as individuals who have resigned or been out of work for more than two years.

Jadarat 

This is a national platform designed to serve as the primary facilitator for employing the Saudi workforce. It aims to assist job seekers in their journey to find suitable employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors of the Saudi labor market.

The Freelancing Program

The Freelancing Program was launched in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and as part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's efforts to unlock human potential among job seekers, freelancers, and male and female citizens across various regions of the Kingdom. The program aims to enhance their productivity, skills, and experience by providing suitable, stable, and productive work opportunities.

Flexible Work (Mrn)

This program enables Saudi job seekers and employers to negotiate contracts with flexibility. Wages are calculated on an hourly basis, which is the smallest unit of compensation, without the obligation to provide additional benefits such as paid vacations or end-of-service gratuities. Additionally, the overtime system does not apply.

Saudi Talent Recruitment Service (Kafa'at) 

This service enables government entities, institutions, and companies looking to hire Saudi talent to access the resumes of Saudi job seekers from the Civil Service database. The service aims to connect job seekers with employers in both the public and private sectors, thereby creating employment opportunities for Saudi citizens.

Registration on the Electronic Portal

This service facilitates new user registration on the Ministry's electronic portal, allowing individuals to access and benefit from the services offered online.

Unemployment Insurance System (Saned)

The "Saned" Unemployment Insurance System was established under Royal Decree No. (M/18) dated 12/3/1435 AH and was implemented in the Kingdom starting from 1/11/1435 AH for organizations following the Hijri calendar and from 9/1/2014 for those adhering to the Gregorian calendar. This program is designed to support Saudi workers and their families during periods of unemployment caused by circumstances beyond their control. It bridges the transitional gap between jobs by providing a minimum income, ensuring a decent standard of living for workers and their families. Additionally, it offers essential training and assistance in job searching. The system applies to all Saudis under the age of 59 who are covered by the pension branch of the Social Insurance Law. It contributes to job localization in the private sector and serves as a key mechanism for managing the labor market. Furthermore, it achieves multiple social benefits with various security and economic dimensions, addressing both current and future challenges.

Marriage Financing

This electronic product, provided by the Social Development Bank, is designed to finance men who wish to get married. It encourages and assists them in meeting their needs and requirements without the necessity of visiting the bank's branches.

Cash Financing

This electronic product is offered by the Social Development Bank and is designed to facilitate procedures entirely online, eliminating the need to visit the bank's branches. It supports financing programs for self-employment and is available to Saudi citizens who are capable of working but have been unable to secure a job. It also caters to those seeking to enhance their monthly income through a specific craft or skill, as well as individuals interested in working in the delivery sector via electronic applications. Customers can access financing of up to 120,000 SAR, which is repayable under flexible conditions, with administrative fees not exceeding 9,000 SAR (deducted from the financing amount). Additionally, clients can benefit from financial incentives by registering in the Freelance Work Incentive Program.

Zood Al-Ajyal (Savings Program)

This is an interactive bank account directed to children to encourage them to save. It enables them to manage their daily expenses and raise the level of financial education, and teaches them how to deal with bank accounts through an integrated banking system, all under the supervision of parents. The program also provides a package of financial incentives and awareness and educational materials offered by the Social Development Bank

Sports for All 

This is a national initiative that serves as a roadmap designed to enhance the regular participation of diverse community segments in physical, recreational, and sports activities. This initiative encourages the adoption of a healthier and more active lifestyle by fostering successful partnerships, improving infrastructure, and launching programs and events tailored to participants' preferences. It aligns with the aspirations and objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 for national transformation.

Furas Platform

This is an electronic platform affiliated with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. It offers hundreds of sites available for investment by event organizers and entertainment project owners. Entertainment events can be held through the temporary rental of these sites across Saudi Arabia, including the following: 

• Gardens
• Arenas
• Beaches
• Plots of Land
• Facilities

Who can benefit from the Furas Platform?

• Entrepreneurs and Investors in the Entertainment Sector
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• National youth, both male and female, who aspire to work in the sector

- For more information about Furas services, please click here.

Training and Qualification 

The General Entertainment Authority aims to qualify, train, and employ Saudi talent in the entertainment sector by providing a range of training programs, including specialized courses and academic diplomas.

E-Training 

The General Entertainment Authority aims to provide training content designed to enhance the awareness of individuals interested in or working in the entertainment events sector. This is accomplished through easily accessible online courses, enabling users to learn at their own pace and at a time and place that suits them.

Entertainment Business Accelerator 

This is a specialized business accelerator in the entertainment sector designed to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. It accomplishes this through hands-on collaboration with both local and global partners, providing services and guidance tailored to the entertainment industry.

Entertainment Challenges 

The National Program for Discovering Entertainment Talents provides opportunities for creativity through more than 20 innovative challenges that encompass a wide range of diverse entertainment activities. This program aims to enhance skills and uncover talents across various sectors of the entertainment industry.

Tourism Pioneers Program  

This training program aims to enhance the capabilities of 100,000 young Saudi men and women working in the tourism sector. It offers a professional training experience designed to develop their skills and prepare them for the job market. Upon completion, participants will receive an internationally accredited training certificate from leading tourism training institutions both within and outside the Kingdom, tailored to their expertise and career paths.

To empower the youth of the nation, develop their skills, and enhance the tourism sector's capacity to welcome visitors while showcasing the Kingdom's authentic heritage, Saudi Arabia, through the Human Capital Development Agency at the Ministry of Tourism, has launched a comprehensive strategy. This initiative targets various groups, including recent graduates, job seekers, workers in the tourism sector, entrepreneurs, and owners of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises. The program aims to provide specialized initiatives that empower these groups, contributing to the achievement of the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.

• Tourist Scholarship Programs
• Training Program Ending with Employment
• Applied Training Program
• Hafawa Program
• Professional Accreditation Certificates
• Leadership Development Program
• Executive Education Program
• E-tourism Education Platform
• Secondment Training Program
• Tourism Establishment Camp Program
• Tourism Business Acceleration Program
• Capacity Building Program for Small and Medium Enterprises
• Studio of Emerging Facilities
• Tourism Innovation and Entrepreneurship Complex
• Tourism Destination Challenge Program 

- You can apply for these programs here.

Support for Artisans  

The establishment of the National Program for the Development and Promotion of Handicrafts (Bari) and the Professional Association of Artisans has led to the registration of approximately 5,000 artisans across various regions of the Kingdom. This initiative has generated numerous business and job opportunities, supported GDP growth, preserved and promoted national identity, and facilitated the marketing and global distribution of handicraft products.

The Kingdom pays special attention to youth, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future and seeking to motivate them to actively participate in social and economic life. To this end, the Kingdom has developed a variety of services tailored to their needs, aimed at enhancing their capabilities while safeguarding their rights and supporting their aspirations.

Education and Training Services 

• Human Resources Development Fund: Doroob E-Training Platform 

This is one of the initiatives of the Human Resources Development Fund aimed at developing the capabilities and enhancing the skills of Saudi male and female nationals. It provides them with job-related skills that support them in obtaining the right job and settling in it according to the requirements of the Saudi labor market. It offers a wide range of electronic training programs and tracks covering diverse topics to meet the vocational needs of individuals. These programs are accessible at any time and from anywhere, making them convenient for learners. Additionally, the program includes training courses offered in collaboration between the Human Resources Development Fund and other specialized entities in various fields, with the goal of enhancing participants' knowledge in those specialties and equipping them with additional experiences and skills.

• Human Resources Development Fund Programs: Tamheer On-the-Job Training Program
• Human Resources Development Fund Programs: Hadaf Leadership Academy (Future Leaders Training)
• Ministry of Tourism Programs: Tourism Scholarship Program
• Ministry of Education: Requesting Internal Scholarships for Students at Private Universities and Colleges

This service is available for regular students enrolled in private universities and colleges. If the Ministry approves the scholarship application, it guarantees the payment of tuition fees according to each approved specialization per semester, ensuring that the total duration does not exceed the number of years specified in the academic plan for each program. The scholarship will continue for students as long as they adhere to the established guidelines and conditions.

• Ministry of Education: Application for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program 

This scholarship program is designed for both male and female students to pursue their studies at the world's top-ranked educational institutions across various fields and specializations. The program aims to improve the efficiency of human capital, achieve sustainable development, and enhance the Kingdom's capabilities in research, development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in priority areas. Additionally, it focuses on requalifying and enhancing skills in different scientific disciplines to cultivate talented national professionals.

• Human Resources Development Fund: Job Search Subsidy Program
• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: Jadarat Program
• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: Providing a CV to Saudi Talent Service (Kafa'at)
• General Organization for Social Insurance: Unemployment Insurance System (Saned)
• Social Development Bank: Youth Financing Programs
• Ministry of Sports: Youth Support Programs

• Job incentives program for the non-profit sector
• The Vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030