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

RIYADH — The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) has been instrumental in hiring 329,000 Saudi citizens in the local employment market during the first half of 2026, representing a 23 percent increase compared to the first half of 2025. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of the programs and initiatives implemented by HADAF to promote quality and sustainable employment opportunities, enhance the readiness of national talent, and contribute to the realization of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program. The HADAF has further strengthened its role as a key enabler of human capital development and the competitiveness of national talent through an integrated system of training, empowerment, and mentorship programs. These programs support localization objectives, enhance labor market efficiency, and keep pace with economic transformations while fostering sustainable growth across various sectors. The Fund announced that the total amount disbursed in direct support to individuals and establishments benefiting from its training, empowerment, and guidance support programs and products during the same period amounted to approximately SR4.9 billion. Meanwhile, the total number of beneficiaries of its services and programs exceeded 1.69 million citizens, reflecting the expanding scope of HADAF’s developmental impact across individuals, establishments, and the labor market. The number of establishments that benefited from the Fund’s services exceeded 171,000 across various regions and economic sectors of the Kingdom, representing a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) accounted for 95 percent of the total beneficiaries, underscoring the Fund’s continued commitment to supporting private sector growth, enabling enterprises to attract and develop national talent, and strengthening their contribution to economic development and job creation. HADAF Director General Turki Al-Jawini affirmed that these results reflect the support and attention extended to the human resources development sector by the wise leadership, which has positioned investment in human capital as a central pillar of national development and a foundation for building a prosperous and sustainable economy. He said that the Fund continues to advance its efforts through an integrated system of partnerships with government entities and private sector establishments to develop more efficient and flexible support and empowerment solutions. These solutions contribute to enhancing the readiness of Saudi citizens, enabling them to access quality and sustainable employment opportunities, and strengthening their participation in the labor market, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program. Al-Jawini stated that the continued growth in the number of beneficiaries and establishments reflects the Fund’s ability to respond effectively to economic changes and evolving labor market needs. This is achieved through the design of programs and initiatives that address the requirements of priority sectors, develop national skills, and enhance their competitiveness. He emphasized HADAF’s commitment to continuously advancing its support and empowerment system to strengthen the efficiency of national human capital, increase labor market productivity, and support the achievement of the objectives of the National Labor Market Strategy, thereby contributing positively to economic growth and sustainable development.