Abu dhabi: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into Saudi Arabia reached SAR 22.2 billion (USD 5.9 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, as reported by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on Sunday. The overall unemployment rate, including Saudis and non-Saudis, stood at 2.8%.
According to Emirates News Agency, the data indicated a 44% increase in FDI inflows compared to the same period last year, when it was SAR 15.5 billion (USD 4.1 billion). However, there was a 7% decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, which recorded SAR 23.9 billion (USD 6.4 billion). FDI inflows into the Kingdom totaled SAR 24.0 billion (USD 6.4 billion) in Q1 2025, reflecting a 24% year-on-year increase but a 6% drop compared to Q4 2024.
GASTAT also revealed that the overall unemployment rate, including Saudis and non-Saudis, remained at 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025. The total labor force participation rate reached 68.2%, while the participation rate among Saudis increased to 51.3% compared to Q4 of 2024.
According to the Labour Market Statistics Bulletin for Q1 2025, the labor force participation rate among Saudi males rose to 66.4%, with their unemployment rate declining to 4%. Women's empowerment initiatives were highlighted, contributing to increasing women's economic participation and enhancing their role in advancing growth and sustainable development. The labor force participation rate among Saudi females rose to 36.3%, with their unemployment rate dropping to 10.5%, compared to the previous quarter.
For young Saudi women aged 15-24, the employment-to-population ratio rose to 14.6%, and their labor force participation rate increased to 18.4%. In contrast, for young Saudi males in the same age group, the employment-to-population ratio decreased to 29.2%, and their labor force participation rate declined to 33%. Their unemployment rate dropped to 11.6% compared to Q4 2024. These outcomes reflect the impact of improved labor market policies in Saudi Arabia, driven by its strong performance and increasing attractiveness.