Saudi women have emerged as active partners in the Kingdom’s development journey, with women’s empowerment shifting from a supportive concept to a driving force contributing to economic growth, quality of life, and national progress under Saudi Vision 2030.
National Observatory for Women Director Dr. Sanaa Al-Otaibi stated that 2025 represented a significant milestone in women’s empowerment, as the female labor force participation rate rose to 34.2% and the economic participation rate for Saudi females reached 36.3%.
Women-owned enterprises reached 774,123, representing 43.8% of total enterprises, while Saudi women also obtained a significant number of international patents during 2024 and 2025, reflecting their growing contributions to the knowledge economy.
She noted that the Kingdom maintained an advanced ranking in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law 2026” report and recorded progress in the Gender Gap Index, with Saudi women winning global awards in innovation, scientific research, and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Al-Otaibi expects women’s roles to expand in the green, purple, and digital economies, including advanced specializations such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, as well as influential positions in strategic sectors and community development.
Source: Riyadh Daily