Saudi Arabia Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate was 3.04% in December 2025, down from 3.52% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 3.52%.
Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate stands at 3.04% as of December 2025. Over the latest readings, the unemployment rate has moved within a band of 3.04% to 7.66%. The most recent figure of 3.04% is down from 3.52% a year earlier, and is 0.48% lower than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, Saudi Arabia ranks #175 on unemployment rate by latest value. It fell from 3.52% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 3.52%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 3.04% |
| Dec 2024 | 3.52% |
| Dec 2023 | 4.01% |
| Dec 2022 | 5.59% |
| Dec 2021 | 6.62% |
| Dec 2020 | 7.66% |
| Dec 2019 | 5.64% |
| Dec 2018 | 6.03% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate was 3.04% in December 2025, down from 3.52% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 3.52%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in Saudi Arabia?
It fell in the latest reading — 3.04% in December 2025 versus 3.52% a year earlier. Year on year it is lower.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.