Unemployment Rate Evolution in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2021

Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate initially fell to 4.3% by 1999, helped by a stable oil market and government efforts to diversify the economy. However, the 2000s saw a gradual increase, with unemployment reaching 6.3% in 2006 as the kingdom struggled to create enough jobs for a growing young population. By 2018, the rate peaked at 6%, reflecting both economic challenges and demographic pressures.

The rate spiked again in 2020 due to the pandemic, hitting 7.7% as oil demand plummeted and lockdowns affected the job market. By 2023, Saudi Arabia made significant progress in reducing unemployment to 4.9%, supported by Vision 2030 initiatives aimed at job creation, particularly in non-oil sectors, which bolstered job opportunities and economic diversification.