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Saudi Arabia Boosts Tourism Wage Support to Empower National Workforce

Saudi Arabia Boosts Tourism Wage Support to Empower National Workforce

Leaders25-05-2025

The Ministry of Tourism has announced a significant increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector. This increase raises the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. This updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, enhancing the ministry's efforts to localize the sector. Empowering National Talent Through 'Ahlaha'
This initiative is part of the 'Ahlaha' program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions. By enhancing job stability and workforce sustainability, the program makes tourism careers more attractive for citizens. The ministry emphasized that this move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry.
The goal is to position tourism as a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by HADAF, supports private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages. This initiative improves job security and incentivizes hiring, ultimately benefiting the entire tourism sector. Advancing Workforce Readiness with Training Programs
Additionally, the ministry is advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under 'Ahlaha.' These programs are offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HRDF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers.
Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the domestic labor market and supports the growth of the tourism sector. By investing in Saudi talent, the Ministry of Tourism aims to create a vibrant and sustainable workforce that drives economic development.
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