Saudi Arabia has announced that its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows have soared to hit SAR22.2 billion ($5.9 billion) during the first quarter, while overall unemployment rate (including Saudis and non-Saudis) stood at 2.8%, reported SPA citing the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

 

The GASTAT data indicated a 44% increase in FDI inflows compared to the same period last year, when it amounted to SAR15.5 billion ($4.1 billion), despite a 7% decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, which recorded SAR 23.9 billion ($6.4 billion).

 

FDI inflows into the kingdom totaled SAR24 billion ($6.4 billion) in Q1 2025, reflecting a 24% year-on-year increase but a 6% drop compared to Q4 2024.

 

GASTAT revealed that the overall unemployment rate (including Saudis and non-Saudis) stood at 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025. The total labour force participation rate reached 68.2%, while the participation rate among Saudis increased to 51.3% compared to Q4 of 2024, it stated.

 

As per Labour Market Statistics Bulletin for Q1 2025, the labour force participation rate among Saudi males rose to 66.4%, and their unemployment rate declined to 4%. 

 

The results also highlighted the success of women's empowerment initiatives, which contributed to increasing women’s economic participation and enhancing their role in advancing growth and sustainable development, said the SPA report. 

 

The labour force participation rate among Saudi females rose to 36.3%, while their unemployment rate dropped to 10.5%, compared to the previous quarter, it stated.

 

Among young Saudi women (ages 15–24), the employment-to-population ratio rose to 14.6%, and their labour force participation rate increased to 18.4%. 

 

For young Saudi males in the same age group, the employment-to-population ratio decreased to 29.2%, and their labour force participation rate declined to 33%, said the GASTAT data. 

 

Their unemployment rate dropped to 11.6% compared to Q4 2024. These outcomes reflect the impact of improved labour market policies in Saudi Arabia, driven by its strong and evolving performance and increasing attractiveness, it added.