Saudi Arabia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Saudi Arabia's youth unemployment was 10.01% in 2025, ranked 70th globally. This represents a 13.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's youth unemployment stood at 10.01% in 2025, a decline of +1.49pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.95% by 2026. Saudi Arabia ranked 70th globally.
Saudi Arabia's youth unemployment rate has undergone significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with the all-time peak of 33.03% occurring in 1991 and the current trough of 10.01% in 2025. This represents a substantial decline of 23.02 percentage points since the peak, outpacing other countries in the region such as Myanmar, which currently ranks 9th globally with a youth unemployment rate of 9.81%. The improvement in youth employment in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to various factors, including government initiatives aimed at boosting job creation and education. As of 2025, Saudi Arabia ranks 70th globally in terms of youth unemployment, a notable improvement from its previous position. However, a sustained decline in global oil prices or a prolonged economic downturn could potentially disrupt this trend and jeopardize the country's progress in reducing youth unemployment.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 2.15% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 4.55% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.95% | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.01% | −1.49pp | #70 |
| 2024 | 11.50% | −1.97pp | #82 |
| 2023 | 13.47% | −2.49pp | #99 |
| 2022 | 15.96% | −3.81pp | #111 |
| 2021 | 19.77% | −9.86pp | #122 |
| 2020 | 29.63% | +4.15pp | #147 |
| 2019 | 25.48% | −4.74pp | #146 |
| 2018 | 30.21% | −1.29pp | #158 |
| 2017 | 31.50% | +7.23pp | #156 |
| 2016 | 24.28% | −3.88pp | #138 |
| 2015 | 28.16% | −0.45pp | #149 |
| 2014 | 28.60% | +1.66pp | #151 |
| 2013 | 26.95% | +2.10pp | #144 |
| 2012 | 24.84% | −0.27pp | #136 |
| 2011 | 25.11% | +0.37pp | #144 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's youth unemployment was 10.01% in 2025. Ranked 70th globally. This represents a 13.0% decrease from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's youth unemployment peaked at 33.03% in 1991.
The lowest youth unemployment in Saudi Arabia was 10.01% in 2025.
Saudi Arabia ranks 70th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 6.95% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 10.01%. This ranks 70th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Saudi Arabia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}