HADAF drives employment of 329,000 Saudis in 1H 2026, marking 23% annual growth

RIYADH — The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) played a pivotal role in hiring 329,000 Saudi citizens in the local employment market during the first half of 2026, marking a 23 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. HADAF's initiatives have bolstered quality and sustainable employment opportunities, bolstered national talent readiness, and propelled the attainment of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program objectives.

By leveraging a comprehensive training, empowerment, and mentorship framework, HADAF has solidified its position as a critical facilitator of human capital development and national talent competitiveness. Through an integrated system of programs, HADAF supports localization efforts, bolsters labor market efficiency, and aligns with economic transformations to foster sustainable growth across diverse sectors.

The Fund disclosed that approximately SR4.9 billion was disbursed over the same period in direct support to individuals and establishments benefiting from its training, empowerment, and guidance initiatives. Moreover, the total number of beneficiaries exceeded 1.69 million citizens, illustrating HADAF's expanding influence on individuals, establishments, and the labor market.

The count of establishments tapping into HADAF's services rose to 171,000 across the Kingdom's various regions and economic sectors, representing a notable 25 percent increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprised 95 percent of the total beneficiaries, highlighting HADAF's unwavering dedication to fostering private sector expansion, empowering enterprises to attract and develop national talent, and elevating their contribution to economic growth and job creation.

Turki Al-Jawini, HADAF Director General, emphasized that these outcomes underscore the commitment of the wise leadership to human resources development, positioning investment in human capital as a cornerstone of national progress and a foundation for a prosperous, sustainable economy. He highlighted the Fund's ongoing efforts through strategic partnerships with government entities and private sector establishments to develop more efficient and adaptable support and empowerment solutions, ultimately enhancing the readiness of Saudi citizens for quality and sustainable employment, and amplifying their participation in the labor market.

Al-Jawini affirmed that the sustained growth in beneficiaries and establishments underscores HADAF's capacity to effectively respond to economic shifts and evolving labor market demands, addressing the needs of priority sectors, nurturing national skills, and bolstering competitiveness. He stressed HADAF's commitment to continually refine its support and empowerment mechanisms to bolster national human capital efficiency, elevate labor market productivity, and fortify the attainment of the National Labor Market Strategy objectives, thereby positively impacting economic growth and sustainable development.