Recent official data reveals that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in women's economic empowerment, with the total number of women-owned businesses reaching 774,123. This figure reflects the rapid growth of Saudi women's role in the economic landscape and underscores the success of government policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing their contribution to comprehensive development.
Vision 2030: The primary driver for women's economic empowerment
This achievement is a key outcome of Saudi Vision 2030, which has made empowering women and increasing their participation in the labor market one of its strategic objectives. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has undergone extensive legislative and economic reforms that have removed many obstacles that previously hindered women's involvement in the business world. These reforms have included streamlining procedures for obtaining commercial registrations, providing dedicated financing and support programs for female entrepreneurs, and launching initiatives to train them and develop their managerial and leadership skills. This supportive environment has helped transform the aspirations of thousands of women into successful projects, contributing to the diversification of the Kingdom's economic base and enhancing its competitiveness.
Geographic and sectoral analysis of women's establishments
Data released by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) shows that the Riyadh region accounts for the largest share of these establishments with 373,579, followed by the Makkah region with 117,749, and then the Eastern Province with 77,074. This distribution indicates a concentration of women’s economic activity in major cities, which offer advanced infrastructure and greater opportunities for growth.
In terms of economic activities, the "building construction" sector topped the list with 116,345 establishments, reflecting women's strong entry into sectors previously considered the domain of men. The "retail trade" sector came in second with 95,291 establishments, followed by the "food and beverage services" sector with 57,393 establishments, demonstrating the diverse interests of female entrepreneurs and their ability to compete across various fields.
The dominance of micro-enterprises and their economic impact
In terms of size, micro-enterprises dominated the landscape, numbering 724,099. Despite their small size, these enterprises play a vital role in the national economy, contributing to the creation of flexible employment opportunities, stimulating innovation, and meeting the needs of local markets. Small enterprises came in second with 44,985, followed by medium-sized enterprises with 4,449. This distribution structure reflects a clear trend towards individual and family-run entrepreneurship, with promising potential for these entities to grow into larger companies in the future.
Strategic importance and future impact
The increasing number of women-owned businesses is not only a positive economic indicator but also carries profound social and cultural dimensions. It enhances women's financial independence, elevates their status in society, and contributes to changing traditional stereotypes. At the national level, this movement leads to increased GDP and diversification of income sources away from oil. Regionally and internationally, these figures reinforce the Kingdom's image as a modern and open nation, making it a model to be emulated in the field of women's economic empowerment, attracting further investment and strengthening its position on the global stage.
