Al-Kassabi: Tourism, culture, sports sectors to add 1M jobs by 2030

Majid Al-Kassabi, Minister of Commerce

The tourism, culture, sports, and creative industries sectors are expected to provide approximately one million jobs by 2030, Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi said.

In a panel discussion at the Human Capability Initiative Conference in Riyadh on Monday, the minister said the creative economy will support more than 80,000 jobs, with strong growth expected in the film, design, fashion, and digital arts’ sectors.

Al-Kassabi also expected the digital economy’s contribution to the GDP to grow from 4.4% to 19% by 2030.

He went on to say that the healthcare sector is anticipated to reach SAR 250 billion by 2030. Green economy investments are expected to exceed SAR 2 trillion, including sustainable construction projects, renewable energy, the circular economy, and others.

Nearly 65% of Saudis are under 35, meaning that investing in lifelong education is no longer an option but has become essential, Al-Kassabi added. The Kingdom is working to develop skills and assess gaps in workforce capabilities and future needs.

The minister confirmed that future skills have been integrated into training and educational institutions, in addition to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, bringing expertise to the Kingdom, and sending students abroad to achieve future goals.