Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a major transformation, one that’s changing the way companies hire, build, and operate. And if you’re a Procurement or HR Manager, you’re not just watching this shift happen. You’re already part of it.
Saudi Vision 2030 is more than a national plan. It’s a roadmap that’s reshaping workforce demands, supplier expectations, and the future of business operations.
By understanding its key projects and priorities, you can make smarter decisions today that can help you secure the talent, partners, and capabilities your organization will need for the years ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Saudi Vision 2030 is a long-term plan to diversify the economy beyond oil.
- Its three pillars drive major public investments and reshape labor demand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
- Vision 2030 projects create opportunities for skilled Filipino workers.
- HR and procurement teams should work with compliant agencies, align hiring with project phases, prioritize worker welfare, and continuously refine workforce strategies.
Table of Contents
3 pillars of Saudi Vision
Prominent Vision 2030 Projects
Importance of Migrant Construction Workers
Filipino Migrant Workers in the Middle East
Percentage of Filipino Construction Workers
What is Saudi National Vision 2030?
You’ve probably heard “Vision 2030” in boardrooms, on the news, or among recruiters. But what is it, really?
In simple terms, Saudi National Vision 2030 is an ambitious, long-term plan launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) that aims to diversify its economic growth beyond oil production.
It rests on three core pillars:
The three pillars of the Saudi Vision 2030 program
1. Vibrant Society (cultural, health, social reforms)
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to boost tourism, culture, and quality of life. The country plans to increase Umrah visitors from 8 million to 30 million, build the world’s largest Islamic museum, and double its UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
By 2030, Saudi Arabia plans to achieve
- Longer life expectancy
- Stronger social capital
- Expand healthcare access
- Promote the Arabic language
- Strengthen values of moderation and tolerance
2. Thriving Economy (tourism, construction, entertainment)
Focuses on expanding the Kingdom’s industrial base beyond oil by attracting major foreign investments, privatizing state-owned entities, and launching tax-free economic zones.
Corresponding projects serve as global attention-grabbers, while sustainability goals drive investments in renewable energy, mining, and research & development through the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
By 2030, Saudi Arabia plans to achieve
- Lower unemployment
- Higher non-oil exports
- 65% private-sector GDP contribution
- Major growth of PIF assets
- Stronger SME participation
3. Ambitious Nation (government efficiency, global competitiveness)
Aims to modernize governance and strengthen civil society. Reforms target a leaner, more transparent state with strict anti-corruption measures. Businesses are encouraged to embrace social responsibility, and citizens are urged to volunteer.
By 2030, Saudi Arabia plans to achieve
- 1 million annual volunteers
- 5% nonprofit contribution to GDP
- 10% household savings
- Improved government effectiveness
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List of Prominent Saudi Vision Projects
These infrastructure projects do more than support a shared national goal. They have also opened opportunities for skilled migrant workers and helped meet the country’s growing demand for construction manpower.
NEOM’s “The Line” is one of the key projects of Vision 2030. This futuristic linear city is car-free, carbon-free, and powered by advanced technology. It aims to redefine what a smart and sustainable city can be.
The Red Sea Project is a luxury tourism development built across pristine islands and coastlines. It will feature 8,000 hotel rooms, high-end resorts, and premium residential units designed to attract travelers from around the world
Qiddiya, located near Riyadh, is planned to be a major center for entertainment, sports, and culture. With theme parks, arenas, and concert venues, it aims to make Saudi Arabia a top global leisure destination.
Masar Destination in Mecca is a major transport-focused development designed to improve urban access and support the movement of pilgrims. The project is also expected to create thousands of jobs in construction and large-scale infrastructure.
Soudah Peaks is a mountain tourism project in the Asir region that aims to boost eco-tourism. It focuses on sustainability while creating new opportunities in hospitality, recreation, and green development.
This project is a major redevelopment of Jeddah’s urban core. It is expected to create about 25,000 jobs and introduce new residential, cultural, and commercial districts.
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Importance of Migrant Construction Workers to Vision 2030
To support Saudi Vision 2030, the demand for skilled construction workers like welders, MEP technicians, foremen, safety officers, and structural fitters has grown significantly.
As a strategic move, contractors rely on manpower agencies to secure qualified migrant workers quickly without compromising high-quality service.
This also ensures that all visa processes, sponsorship requirements, worker accommodations, and health protocols are handled properly and legally.
Filipino Migrant Workers in the Middle East
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are widely present in the Middle East. According to the latest statistics, around 2 to 3 million Filipinos live in the region, making up nearly 90% of the foreign population in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
Percentage of Filipino Construction Workers in the Middle East (from 2022 to Early 2024)
This table shows a year-by-year comparison of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from 2022 to early 2024, highlighting total deployments, the share working in the Middle East, and the estimated percentage in construction-related jobs worldwide.
Data source: cpbrd.congress.gov.ph
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5 Tips on How You Can Adapt to the Saudi’s National Vision
If you’re a Procurement or HR Manager thinking of tapping into this momentum, here’s a simple but powerful action plan:
Tip#1: Align hiring plans with Vision 2030 milestones
Match your workforce plans to key project phases, such as NEOM or the Red Sea Project.
Tip#2: Use due diligence partners
Ensure the Saudi Arabia manpower agency you work with is licensed, compliant, and has a proven track record, just like Great Ways.
Tip#3: Negotiate worker welfare into contracts
Partner with a trusted manpower agency for the Middle East to ensure rest-period compliance, visa assistance, and health screenings.
Tip#4: Invest in onboarding and retention
Effective orientation, cultural training, and ongoing support help reduce turnover and strengthen employee loyalty.
Tip#5: Monitor and refine
Collect feedback from deployed workers on camp conditions, payroll, and communication, and adjust staffing strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
Saudi Vision 2030 is not just a government plan but a generational transformation. To help ease your adjustment to this change, Great Ways Manpower International helps Filipino workers contribute to the transformative vision while supporting companies in Saudi Arabia in securing skilled talent.
We believe that connecting skilled manpower with the right projects benefits everyone.
Employers gain a reliable, skilled workforce. Workers get the chance to build meaningful careers. And Saudi Arabia gains a workforce partner capable of shaping its future step by step.
Whether you work in procurement, HR, or operations, if you want to tap into Saudi’s Vision 2030 projects, collaborate with a recruitment agency that understands both employers and workers.
Partner with Great Ways Manpower International Inc, and let’s build that future together.
LETS WORK TOGETHERBLOG REFERENCES:
Vibrant Society. “Saudi Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Transformation Program Explained” https://www.centuroglobal.com/article/saudi-arabia-vision-2030/
Red Sea Project. “Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s key projects set to transform the nation”
Filipino migrant workers in the Construction Industry. “Number of Filipinos seeking employment in Saudi Arabia doubles in 2023”
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