As part of national efforts to promote freelance work as a fundamental pillar in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development continues to support this vital sector by providing an enabling environment for individuals to achieve growth and sustainability. The Freelance Work Platform has witnessed remarkable growth, with over 2.25 million registered individuals as of September 2024, reflecting the increasing demand for this type of work and its effective role in empowering individuals and enhancing their contributions to the national economy.
The trade and retail sectors accounted for the largest percentage of practitioners at 38%, followed by the industrial sectors at 13%, and business services at 11%. Freelance work has proven its ability to accommodate individuals from various educational levels, with bachelor's degree holders representing 62% of freelance workers, followed by high school graduates or less at 31%, and higher education degree holders at 7%, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to suit different qualifications.
Technology and digital platforms play a pivotal role in developing freelance work, especially in vital sectors, such as technology, information, finance, and insurance. These platforms have significantly improved operational efficiency and accelerated communication between freelancers and their clients, enhancing success and sustainability opportunities in the market.
Freelancers are mainly concentrated in Riyadh at 27%, Makkah at 22%, and the Eastern Province at 14%. The largest age group in this sector ranges from 25 to 34 years, reflecting the youth's interest in this type of work. Freelance work has also seen a significant increase in women's interest, with 3.2 million women expressing a desire to enter this field.
Freelance work contributions to the 2023 GDP amounted approximately 72.5 billion Saudi Riyals, representing 2% of the KSA's total GDP, confirming freelance work's role as one of the main drivers of economic growth.
The Ministry is working on diversifying work patterns to meet labor market requirements and achieve the necessary flexibility to support the national economy. These patterns include: flexible work, which allows workers to perform specific hours according to their needs and circumstances, remote work, which enables employees to perform their tasks from anywhere, benefiting from technological advancements and digital platforms, and freelance work, which supports individual empowerment and provides multiple opportunities suitable for various qualifications and skills. These patterns contribute to achieving a balance between professional and personal life, enhancing the participation of women and people with disabilities in the labor market, supporting human capital development, and increasing productivity levels.