Saudi Arabia Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Saudi Arabia's female labor participation was 33.57% in 2025, ranked 159th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's female labor participation stood at 33.57% in 2025, a rise of +0.27pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 33.27% by 2026. Saudi Arabia ranked 159th globally.
Saudi Arabia's female labor participation rate has exhibited a gradual yet significant increase over the past three decades, rising from a trough of 14.90% in 1991 to a peak of 34.28% in 2023. This improvement, spanning 36 years, is a testament to the country's efforts to promote women's participation in the workforce. However, Saudi Arabia still lags behind its peer countries, with Puerto Rico boasting a higher female labor participation rate of 36.85% and Libya at 32.99%. As of 2025, the female labor participation rate stands at 33.57%, a slight decline from the peak. The trend suggests that while progress has been made, further efforts are necessary to bridge the gap with more developed economies. A significant acceleration in the pace of reforms, particularly those related to education and employment opportunities, will be crucial in propelling Saudi Arabia towards a higher female labor participation rate and reorienting its economy towards greater inclusivity.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 32.85% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 33.06% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 33.27% | - | - |
| 2025 | 33.57% | +0.27pp | #159 |
| 2024 | 33.31% | −0.97pp | #159 |
| 2023 | 34.28% | +0.18pp | #160 |
| 2022 | 34.10% | −0.12pp | #160 |
| 2021 | 34.22% | +4.91pp | #160 |
| 2020 | 29.31% | +4.94pp | #164 |
| 2019 | 24.37% | +2.54pp | #170 |
| 2018 | 21.82% | +1.97pp | #172 |
| 2017 | 19.86% | −3.01pp | #178 |
| 2016 | 22.87% | +1.23pp | #174 |
| 2015 | 21.64% | +1.36pp | #176 |
| 2014 | 20.28% | +0.46pp | #177 |
| 2013 | 19.82% | +0.06pp | #177 |
| 2012 | 19.76% | +0.80pp | #177 |
| 2011 | 18.95% | +1.33pp | #177 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's female labor participation was 33.57% in 2025. Ranked 159th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's female labor participation peaked at 34.28% in 2023.
The lowest female labor participation in Saudi Arabia was 14.91% in 1991.
Saudi Arabia ranks 159th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's female labor participation is projected to reach 33.27% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 33.57%. This ranks 159th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_female-labor-participation,
title = {Saudi Arabia Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}