Will Riyadh's efforts to Saudize workforce reduce unemployment?

Saudi Arabia’s quest for regional economic leadership sheds light on the largest reserve of citizens in the Gulf Cooperation Council, reigniting debate over localization policies.
King Abdullah Financial District station of Riyadh Metro
The King Abdullah Financial District station of the Riyadh Metro is seen on April 1, 2021, in the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia is trying to provide more jobs for its citizens, a process called Saudization. - FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images
SebastianCastelier.jpg
Sebastian Castelier
@SCastelier

Foreigners make up a very high percentage of the population of the Gulf states, reaching about 88% in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

However, the situation is not uniform throughout the region. In Saudi Arabia, about 21.5 million citizens make up more than 60% of the total population of some 35 million.

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