Many of the world’s major economies are predicted to have lost between 20 and 50% of their population by the year 2100 due to the increasing trend toward ageing. For example, Japan is already feeling the effects of this shift because it has one of the largest populations of elderly people in the world. The situation in China is comparable.
In 1950, the rate of population growth worldwide was 1%; by 2025, it had fallen to 0.8%. According to experts, global population growth will thus completely halt by 2084 and possibly reverse by the end of the century.
Saudi Arabia stands out amidst these concerning trends. The Kingdom is headed toward economic prosperity, youthful ambition, and societal advancement due to its youthful and expanding population.
In mid-2024, 35.3 million people were living in Saudi Arabia, with over 55% of them being Saudi citizens. Since 2023, both immigration and natural growth have contributed to an annual growth rate of about 2.52%. Saudis are 26.6 years old on average, while the global average is 33.6 years old.
During a period of rapid global ageing, the Kingdom’s high fertility rates have resulted in natural population growth. The average number of children born to Saudi women in 2024 was 2.7, significantly higher than the global average of 2.3. Even though fertility rates have generally declined worldwide, Saudi Arabia’s future is bright because of its thriving and expanding youth population.
Cultural norms are also a major factor in this growth. Large families and children are highly prized in this society. Furthermore, high fertility rates and the danger of an ageing majority population have been influenced by the Kingdom’s comparatively young marriage age.
A survey conducted by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics found that the majority of Saudi men would like to get married when they are roughly 25.3 years old, and women when they are 20.4 years old.
This young population is a strength for Saudi Arabia and has enormous potential for the Kingdom’s economic and developmental objectives. The ambition and vigour of its youth are essential to creating the country of the future.
“Our real wealth lies in the ambition of our people and the potential of our younger generation,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wrote at the launch of Vision 2030, demonstrating the government’s recognition of this potential. They are the future’s designers and the pride of our country.
A youthful population directly contributes to a growing and effective workforce. In the Kingdom, this is already greatly increasing productivity and propelling economic expansion. Saudi Arabia is displaying encouraging signs in this area. The unemployment rate had fallen to 7% by 2024, while the labour force participation rate was 66.4%.
Political commentator Zaid M. Belbagi said, “As a result, the Kingdom achieved its Vision 2030 unemployment goal six years earlier than expected. In order to serve this younger demographic, the labour market is growing more dynamic and creating a wider variety of employment options. Over 364,000 Saudi nationals made their first forays into the workforce last year.”
The entrepreneurial spirit of Saudi youth is one of its greatest advantages. From fintech and artificial intelligence to food and beverage, the Kingdom has witnessed a 200% increase in startups and creative businesses. Building a dynamic and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem requires the fresh ideas, digital savvy, and strong risk appetite that this youthful group brings to the table.
Recently, startup research platform StartupBlink named the Kingdom the Startup Ecosystem Country of the Year, confirming this trend. Saudi Unicorns, Monsha’at, and Fintech Saudi are national initiatives that support this growth by empowering and guiding young Saudis with creative business ideas.
As a result of many young people starting their own businesses rather than depending only on traditional employment, the Kingdom’s demographic advantage is being converted into long-term economic opportunities.
As Saudi Arabia transforms into a youth-led, youth-for-youth nation, the most significant shifts are in perspective and vision. A growing number of young people are open to social change, conscious of global trends, and cosmopolitan.
The growth of industries like entertainment, music, and film is a sign of this shift. The desire for cultural and recreational experiences among Saudi youth has fuelled the demand for youth summits, film festivals, and concerts.
The General Entertainment Authority was thus created by Saudi Arabia, which also provided over USD 2 billion to aid in its growth. The crown prince is in charge of “Vision 2030,” which has effectively recognised the youth’s capacity to spearhead this transformation.
“It is evident that Saudi Arabia’s youthful population is the main force behind both cultural and economic transformation in the Kingdom. The government needs to take this change in policy into account. Prioritising top-notch instruction, training, and skill development is crucial, and this includes forming alliances with foreign academic institutions,” Belbagi noted.
A growing number of young people will be drawn to industries like advertising, sports, entertainment, and culture, which will also gain importance. Saudi Arabia’s future depends on investing in its youth because tomorrow’s leaders will be the young people of today.