Saudi Arabian Skills Migration

The Middle East is rapidly accelerating the demand for skills across its vast economic frontiers at breakneck speed. The transformation of societies across the region is startling and with agendas such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes a thriving economy off the back of elevating “young employment” as well as elevating women in the workplace, is seeing the Middle East evolving as an economic powerhouse.

The demand for specialised international skills has never been as amplified as it is today (and it is something we have covered previously here). The economic realities of the region which is driving a move away from fossil-based energy dependency to eco-friendly alternatives has created a massive demand for foreign talent. A mass migration is occurring under the watchful eye of the west whose own economies are experiencing a talent drain, as job seekers look to the Middle East for career opportunities which come with enormous lifestyle benefits.

Saudi Arabian Skills Migration

Saudi Arabia sees itself as a leader in global development and is pursuing both economic and societal transformation. The Neom project is a demonstrable example of one such project which encapsulates all that is happening in Saudi Arabia at the moment. 

“Launched in 2017 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, NEOM is a futuristic region in northwest Saudi Arabia powered by 100% renewable energy. Led by the Public Investment Fund, NEOM is a place that prioritizes people and nature, creating a new model for sustainable living, working and prospering. It is a place where humanity can progress without compromising the health of the planet.”

The Middle East Kingdom is setting the pace for futuristic and sustainable projects like this, which will change the very way people live and prosper. They are determining the pace of change on so many fronts and as a result have created a jobs boom, which sees no end.

As of February 2023, there are approximately 10.9 million foreign workers, constituting more than 50 percent of the total workforce in Saudi Arabia and the appetite for skilled foreign talent is a challenge the government has taken on with rigor.

Neom demands more skills

The investment in industries such as airlines, health, tourism, and manufacturing appear to have no end and the thirst for new technologies and investment opportunities appears to have no endgame for the Saudi Government. Point in case, The Line by Neom- “A cognitive city stretching across 170 kilometres, from the epic mountains of NEOM across inspirational desert valleys to the beautiful Red Sea. A mirrored architectural masterpiece towering 500 meters above sea level, but a land-saving 200 meters wide. THE LINE redefines the concept of urban development and what cities of the future will look like.”  But don’t just take our word for it, check it out here.

Examples of such powerful talent attracting initiatives proliferate the entire Middle Eastern landscape, and the thirst for skills across every industry sector is unquenchable. The demand for the brightest people, who are being sourced across the planet is accelerating, but for the individuals seeking exceptional career opportunities, financial reward and lifestyle benefits place this region well apart from western economies. This part of the world is selling itself with measured confidence as it has little competition!

As some large western economies hiccup in the face of recession, the Middle East is an employment juggernaut, on a mission to claim the preeminent job’s destination in the world.