Freelancing in Saudi Arabia: Reinvention or Safety Net?

Clock Icon Jan 16, 2025
A split image showing a Saudi man in traditional attire working on a laptop in a modern home office on the left, and a Saudi woman in a contemporary abaya working with a tablet in her stylish home office on the right. The scene highlights balance, profess

Freelancing gains ground in Saudi Arabia, empowering men and women to redefine work and independence. (Source: DALL-E)

A decade ago in Saudi Arabia, mentioning freelancing as a career was like announcing a plan to become a professional cloud watcher—curious, perhaps, but hardly convincing. Propose marriage with "freelancer" on your résumé, and you’d likely be met with a polite smile and a discreet search for alternative suitors. Back then, a "real job" meant stability, a steady paycheck, fixed working hours, and an explanation that wouldn’t send parents into a spiral of concern. Freelancing, by contrast, was a gamble, leaving many reliant on family support—or, in tougher cases, charity, and the perception that this job was for dreamers not worthy of carrying trust or responsibility.

Today, freelancing has shed much of this stigma and is becoming a notable player in Saudi Arabia’s labor market. How is that? According to Arab News, over 2.25 million Saudis are now registered as freelancers, collectively contributing SR72.5 billion ($19 billion) to the economy. This reflects not only economic diversification but also a profound shift in societal norms, where freelancing is finding acceptance as a viable way of living. But while freelancing has gained legitimacy, it prompts a pressing question: does it represent the future of work, or is it merely a stopgap in times of economic uncertainty?

 

Fringe to Mainstream

Freelancing in Saudi Arabia has recently made headlines, with reports showing its growing role in reshaping the labor market. Figures reveal that 2.25 million freelancers are now registered on official platforms, contributing 2% of Saudi GDP. While freelancing is still met with skepticism by some, particularly among parents who associate it with instability, it is undeniable that the sector is growing rapidly.

This shift has not occurred in isolation. The Saudi government has played a pivotal role in fostering freelancing through targeted initiatives. The Freelance Work Permit (وثيقة العمل الحر), introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has formalized freelancing across 225 professions. This permit allows freelancers to access key benefits, such as social insurance through the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), providing retirement and disability coverage.

Additionally, programs like the Future Work Company and Reef offer training, certification, and financial support to freelancers. These efforts are not merely bureaucratic gestures; they represent a deliberate strategy to embed freelancing within the national labor framework.

As an observer of Saudi society, I see freelancing as more than just a labor trend. It’s a lens into how targeted policies can reshape not just the workforce but societal attitudes toward independence and responsibility.

Human Stories Behind the Numbers

Freelancing has given many Saudis the chance to redefine work on their own terms.
“It’s allowed me to turn my passion for graphic design into a full-time career,” says Faisal Al-Harbi, a 27-year-old from Riyadh. “I never imagined I could work on international projects from my home office. It’s been a game-changer, both financially and personally.”

Yet, for every Faisal, there is a Reem.

“Freelancing has its perks, but it’s also unpredictable,” says Reem Al-Mutairi, a 31-year-old freelancer from the Eastern Province. “Some months are great, and others are dry. There’s no financial security, and you’re constantly worried about finding the next gig.”

For Sarah Al-Qahtani, a single mother and a self-taught app developer in Jeddah, freelancing provided a lifeline. “When my husband passed away, I needed to support my family but couldn’t commit to office hours. Through freelancing, I’ve not only built a career but also gained the flexibility to be present for my children,” she explains.

Stories like Sarah’s highlight how freelancing can empower individuals to navigate both professional and personal challenges.

This duality underscores both the appeal and the pitfalls of freelancing. It offers independence and flexibility but comes at the cost of predictability and some benefits such as healthcare or retirement savings. While initiatives like the Freelance Work Permit address some of these challenges, the gig economy’s sustainability remains a global question.

Generational and Gendered Shifts

Freelancing in Saudi Arabia is dominated by the 25-34 age group, reflecting a generational shift toward flexibility and independence over traditional employment. Younger Saudis, shaped by rapid economic and social transformation, are more willing to embrace unconventional work models.

Women, too, have found freelancing to be an empowering option. According to Arab News, 3.2 million Saudi women have expressed interest in freelancing, citing its ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Government measures such as flexible work permits have further legitimized freelancing, making it an attractive option for women navigating societal expectations.

Challenges on the Horizon

Freelancing is not without its challenges. While it has contributed to lowering unemployment—prompting the Kingdom to reduce its unemployment target from 7% to 5%—freelancers face market volatility, skill obsolescence, and the lack of steady income.

Digital platforms have made freelancing more accessible, but they also raise uncertainties. What happens when demand for certain skills wanes? How prepared are freelancers to adapt to an evolving labor market? While government initiatives have provided a safety net, long-term success will depend on continued policy innovation and freelancers’ ability to upskill.

Freelancing as a Barometer of Change

"Freelancing is no longer just a job; it’s a reflection of how Saudi society is adapting to change," says Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "It combines independence with innovation, showing the entrepreneurial spirit of our people."

Freelancing serves as a barometer for Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic transformation. It represents a shift not only in how Saudis work but in how they think about work. For expats and researchers, this trend offers valuable insights into Saudi Arabia’s ability to adapt to global labor trends while navigating local cultural dynamics.

Opportunity or Stopgap?

Freelancing in Saudi Arabia represents both opportunity and challenge. It empowers individuals, diversifies income streams, and nudges societal norms toward modernization. Yet, its sustainability will hinge on policy decisions, freelancers’ adaptability, and the continued evolution of the labor market.

For think tank researchers and journalists, Saudi Arabia’s freelancing boom raises compelling questions: Can structured freelancing initiatives in a transitioning economy provide a global model? What societal shifts does freelancing signal in one of the world’s most rapidly transforming nations?

Share on:
Twitter X share iconLinkedIn share iconFacebook share iconReddit share iconWhatsApp share iconGmail share icon

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Submit a Comment

Your Email will not be published.

SUGGESTED ARTICLES

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay in touch by signing up for the SAUDITIMES newsletter and let me be the bridge between Saudi Arabia and the Western world.