* Oil&Gas Magazine
In a strategic move to bolster
national employment and reduce dependency on foreign labour, Saudi Arabia’s
energy sector is set to undergo a significant transformation. Prince Abdulaziz
bin Salman, the Saudi Energy Minister, has announced an ambitious plan to
ensure that 75% of jobs in the energy sector are held by Saudi nationals,
marking a major step in the Kingdom’s Saudisation efforts.
At the forefront of this initiative,
the Saudi energy sector, known for its pivotal role in the global market, is
identified as having a higher potential for Saudisation compared to other
sectors. This comes at a time when the global energy industry faces various
challenges, including a notable gender disparity, with women’s participation
lingering around 15%.
“The energy sector at the global
level is struggling with difficulties. According to global statistics, women’s
participation in the energy sector represents 15 percent,” Prince Abdulaziz
stated during his speech at the Human Capacity Initiative, which was held in
Riyadh this week.
This endeavour is not isolated but
part of a comprehensive strategy to develop human resources and capital within
the Kingdom. Efforts to achieve this target will involve collaboration across
multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, to focus on
building capabilities, retaining employees, and notably, empowering women. A
dedicated committee, with representatives from various sectors, has been
established to spearhead research, development, and professional training
initiatives.
Prince Abdulaziz emphasised the
critical importance of developing human resources and capital for achieving
success in this initiative. This announcement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s
broader vision to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependency by enhancing
the employment of Saudi nationals across various sectors.
The Saudisation programme, which
mandates the employment of Saudi nationals across different industries, varies
in its requirements and deadlines. It’s designed to boost the local job market
by encouraging companies to hire and nurture local talent. The Nitaqat, or Saudisation
certificate, categorises companies based on their compliance with Saudisation
targets, impacting their eligibility for government contracts and other
privileges.
By focusing on the energy sector,
Saudi Arabia is not only aiming to secure jobs for its citizens but also to
ensure that the sector remains competitive and innovative by tapping into the
potential of its local workforce. This move is a clear indicator of the
Kingdom’s commitment to a sustainable and self-reliant economic future.