Policy Reports

A View from South Asia Countries of Origin: Changing Contexts, Perceptions, and Policies Towards Migrating to Saudi Arabia

Special Issue on Vision 2030 and the Socio-Economic Reform Process: The Future of Labour and Migration in Saudi Arabia

With 75 percent of its workforce comprising foreign labour, Saudi Arabia faces increasing competition for its essential migrant workforce as other countries offer better conditions. Saudi Arabia must reform restrictive policies including the kafala system, improve recruitment practices, and lower remittance costs to maintain its labour advantage. This policy report examines how current migration systems impact South Asian workers and offers practical solutions to balance national economic interests with worker protections in an increasingly competitive global labour market.

International Science Faculty in Saudi Arabia: Research Experiences and Challenges

Special Issue on Vision 2030 and the Socio-Economic Reform Process: The Future of Labour and Migration in Saudi Arabia

One of Saudi Arabia's aims in Vision 2030, is to transform the Kingdom into a global research powerhouse however, is the current ecosystem equipped to deliever? This policy report analyses Saudi scientific publications and interviews with international researchers which reveal a divide between elite academic institutions and the broader university landscape in Saudi. While visibility is growing, challenges in funding, infrastrucutre and career pathways persist. This report details the critical reforms needed to bridge the gap between Saudi Arabia's scientific ambitions and its current research reality.

The Global Competition for Talent: How does Saudi Arabia Compare with Gulf and Global Peers?

Special Issue on Vision 2030 and the Socio-Economic Reform Process: The Future of Labour and Migration in Saudi Arabia

Can Saudi Arabia outpace its neighbors in the race for global talent? Saudi Arabia has made remarkable strides in attracting skilled migrants while maintaining record employment for nationals—but significant hurdles remain. This policy report examines Saudi Arabia's position in the competitive talent marketplace and offers actionable recommendations to overcome persistent challenges in residency policies, urban liveability, and family support services that currently limit its appeal compared to regional rivals.

Adapting to Change: The Potential Impact of Technology and Demography on the Saudi Labour Market

Special Issue on Vision 2030 and the Socio-Economic Reform Process: The Future of Labour and Migration in Saudi Arabia

Will tomorrow's technological revolution leave parts of Saudi Arabia's workforce behind? This policy report reveals a complex picture of automation vulnerability across the Saudi Arabian labour market, highlighting significant differences between Saudi and non-Saudi workers, as well as between men and women. While government policies have successfully boosted citizen employment, the focus on labour-intensive sectors may have come at the cost of technological productivity. As the demand for specialised skills in IT, engineering, and advanced manufacturing grows, how can Saudi Arabia protect its most vulnerable workers while preparing its workforce for a tech-driven future? This report explores the challenges and opportunities ahead and examines potential solutions from global success stories.

High-Skilled Employment and Vision 2030: How Education and Training for Saudi Youth Align with Saudi Labour Market Demands

Special Issue on Vision 2030 and the Socio-Economic Reform Process: The Future of Labour and Migration in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy beyond oil by creating a knowledge-based economy with a highly skilled workforce. Key challenges include aligning STEM education with private sector needs and bridging theoretical-practical gaps through targeted training programmes. With Saudi demographics shifting, the kingdom needs to create approximately 920,000 additional jobs by 2030. SMEs, which currently provide 60 per cent of jobs, and women's entrepreneurship programmes will play crucial roles in achieving inclusive economic growth. As workforce development progresses, Saudi Arabia faces a strategic balancing act: attracting skilled migrants in emerging fields like AI and green technologies while developing domestic expertise to gradually reduce dependency on foreign workers in construction, healthcare, and education sectors.

Future Skills Needed and Profiles of Workers: Ways to Maximise Productivity of Labour

Special Issue on Vision 2030 and the Socio-Economic Reform Process: The Future of Labour and Migration in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's transformative labour market journey under Vision 2030 shows promising progress, with female workforce participation nearly doubling and a significant shift toward high-skilled sectors. Yet, as the kingdom races to build a knowledge economy, the gap between available skills and market demands in crucial areas like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. How is Saudi Arabia balancing international talent attraction with local workforce development to fuel its ambitious economic diversification? This policy report explores the strategies shaping this dynamic transition and the critical steps needed to ensure sustainable growth.

Assets on the Move: Highly Skilled Migration from the Philippines to the Gulf

Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

The GCC hosts approximately half of all highly skilled Filipino workers worldwide, despite offering salaries roughly half those available in North America. Many skilled Filipinos view the Gulf as a temporary destination in a "stepwise migration" strategy, gaining experience before moving to Western countries with better economic prospects and residency pathways. While bilateral labour agreements exist between the Philippines and GCC states, these primarily target specific sectors like healthcare, and recent Gulf initiatives like Golden and Freelance visas attract temporary workers but struggle to retain those seeking permanent relocation. For the GCC to improve retention of skilled Filipino professionals, policies must address competitive compensation, career advancement opportunities, and stable residency options with family reunification, though these changes present integration challenges for receiving societies, while the Philippines continues to face "brain drain" issues affecting its domestic development.

India as A Prime Country of Origin for Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf: Perspectives of A Paradigm Shift in Indian Immigration of Talent to UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

This policy report examines India's position as the leading source of migrant workers to UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, focusing on the shift toward high-skilled migration. It recommends India adopt a laissez-faire approach while Gulf states implement targeted demand-driven policies across short, medium, and long-term horizons.

Highly Skilled Migration from Egypt to the Gulf States

Special Issue on Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

This policy report examines Egypt's role as a key source of skilled labour for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, highlighting the "triple win" benefits for all parties: Egypt gains reduced unemployment and remittance income; GCC countries acquire essential talent for economic diversification; and migrants secure better career opportunities and living standards. Key recommendations include strengthening bilateral agreements and reintegration programmes for Egypt, while GCC countries should reform restrictive labour practices, improve benefit portability, and address gender barriers in employment—all aimed at maximising the positive outcomes of this mutually beneficial migration pattern.

Highly Skilled Migration from Tunisia to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar: Trends, Drivers and Policies

Special Issue on Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

The migration of highly skilled Tunisians to the GCC countries has transformed since the 1970s, with expanding sectors and increased female participation. Initially concentrated in education and health primarily in Saudi Arabia, the demand now extends to tertiary sectors like information technology and business management, especially in the United Arab Emirates. While employment remains the primary driver, the migration landscape is complex. Remittances provide economic support, but concerns about brain drain persist. The region faces competition from Western Europe and North America, and Tunisian policymakers struggle to develop coherent responses to these challenges. This policy report argues for a strategic approach focusing on strengthening international cooperation, protecting worker rights, promoting migrant contributions, and fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue.

Trends, Patterns, and Policies Regarding Highly Skilled Migrant Workers from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE

Special Issue on Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

Pakistan, with 241.5 million people, sends 96 percent of its migrant workers to Gulf countries (primarily Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar). While mostly comprising low-skilled labour, highly skilled professionals represent under 10 percent of migrants. The "brain drain" debate remains unresolved between proponents citing remittance benefits and critics concerned about industrial competitiveness. Despite training 150,000 people in high-tech fields since 2005, Pakistan requires enhanced workforce development in IT, healthcare, and hospitality sectors, along with expanded skill certification agreements with host nations to improve employment prospects.

Attracting and Retaining Highly Skilled Migrants in Saudi Arabia’s Transformation Journey

Special Issue on Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

This policy report examines Saudi Arabia's strategic transformation in skilled migration policy, documenting the shift from oil dependency toward a knowledge-based economy. Through key policy reforms—notably the 2019 Premium Residency scheme and 2021 Labour Reform Initiative—the Kingdom has achieved significant labor market improvements, with the digital economy contributing 14% to GDP. Quantitative evidence demonstrates that sectors employing skilled migrants now represent 28% of non-oil GDP, with participating companies showing 35% higher innovation rates and 42% higher international expansion. While initial outcomes are promising, policy challenges remain in visa frameworks, work-life balance standards, and knowledge transfer mechanisms. The Ministry projects 30% growth in skilled migration by 2030, necessitating continued policy refinement to balance international talent attraction with domestic capability development, particularly in strategic sectors including AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

From Laissez-Faire to A Centralised State Approach? A Critical Policy Analysis of the UAE’s Attraction and Retention Approach Towards High-Skilled Migration in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Special Issue on Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

The UAE has emerged as the primary destination for high-skilled migrants from the Global South but faces retention challenges despite policy successes. Research findings show an evolution from laissez-faire to centralised migration management, with targeted promotion of long-term settlement for highly skilled migrants that reverses traditional temporary integration models. However, labour market constraints, particularly wage discrimination, continue driving onward migration to Western countries. Based on interviews with high-skilled migrants and comprehensive policy analysis, this report recommends implementing broader incentive models through golden visas, enhanced internal mobility, and affordable family reunification pathways, while addressing persistent wage discrimination to improve economic mobility and career development for the entire high-skilled migrant workforce.

Qatar's Policy Landscape and its Impact on Highly Skilled Migration

Special Issue on Highly Skilled Migration to the Gulf States: How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

Qatar is pivoting from low-skilled to highly skilled migrants but struggles with retention challenges. Qatar National Vision 2030 aims for workforce nationalisation and a knowledge economy, yet policies conflict with these goals. Key issues include tension between Qatarisation and skilled labour needs, absence of long-term settlement options, job insecurity, and regional competition. Despite challenges, Qatar offers high earnings, technological expertise, cultural compatibility, and family security. Policy recommendations include gender quotas for skilled women, employment-independent migration pathways, AI guidelines, welfare forums, unemployment insurance, and Gulf coordination. Findings emphasise that particular attention should be given to the upskilling potential of Pakistani, Indian, and Filipino nationals and international students in Qatar, due to their numbers, willingness to settle, and combination of cultural awareness with highly skilled input.

Exploring Opportunities in German-Saudi Cooperation

Utilising playgrounds for early-childhood education for sustainable development

This policy paper explores the potential for collaboration between Germany and Saudi Arabia in the realm of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). While existing collaboration between the two states primarily focuses on energy transformation and economic cooperation, this paper suggests expanding their partnership to encompass environmental sustainability. It is argued to include educational landscapes with an ESD focus in out-of-school places, such as playgrounds, and in early-childhood and school education. Though both countries are in the midst of reforming their education systems, they have yet to mainstream ESD in their respective curricula. To address this challenge, the paper highlights the potential of parks as a platform for accessible, affordable, and inclusive environmental education, with ripple effects on health, social life, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Germany and Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Outlook in a Multipolar World

Shifts in the international system in the 21st century have led to an increasingly multipolar world order. Amidst this transforming geopolitical landscape, the policy report explores how Saudi Arabia and Germany share common interests, particularly a strong preference for robust institutions, rules, and norms that uphold the international system, thus enabling sustained economic growth and prosperity. Furthermore, both countries share a preference for diplomacy in their foreign policies. What differs, however, is their respective rhetoric and perceptions of how to achieve shared goals. This misalignment of approaches can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements, causing Berlin and Riyadh to "argue past each other" rather than finding common ground, hindering effective cooperation.

Preparing for the World Cup 2034

Seizing the potential for closer cooperation in football between Saudi Arabia and Germany

Germany hosted the football European Championship 2024, and Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup ten years later. EURO 2024 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup hold immense potential to catalyse football development and foster closer relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany. Beyond providing opportunities to practice together physically and engage in administrative collaboration, these events can stimulate aspiring athletes and leaders in both countries while challenging stereotypes that each holds about the other. In this vein, the policy paper provides suggestions for collaboration and learning opportunities between Saudi Arabia and Germany in the promotion of men’s and women’s football, fandom, volunteerism, and health.

Youth Empowerment as a Pillar of Saudi-German Climate Cooperation

At COP28 in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Germany committed to support young people as key voices in the field of climate diplomacy. Young generations are environmental agents: not only will they be particularly affected by climate change, but they can also act as multipliers in the negotiation and implementation of climate policy. Against the backdrop of intensifying Saudi-German cooperation in recent years, this policy paper argues for the inclusion of youth empowerment as a pillar of partnership in the climate and sustainability field. Through centring youth, Saudi Arabia and Germany can deepen mutual understanding of what youth-led climate engagement means in their respective societies and how young environmental agents engage within local communities in the two countries.

Pounds, Petrodollars, and Planned Paradises

The evolving role of Gulf capital in Egyptian megaprojects

Amidst a new escalation of Egypt’s dual debt-and-currency crisis, news broke in February 2023 that the Gulf states would once again come to Cairo’s aid, but with a twist. Instead of depositing dollars at the central bank or shipping discounted oil to Cairo, the UAE acquired the right to develop the Ras El Hikma peninsula on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast for $35 billion. This policy report places this deal within the context of post-2013 relations between Egypt and its largest external benefactors, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It argues that in contrast to previous dollar injections from the Gulf, Ras El Hikma opens opportunities for Gulf investment while preserving the domestic economic arrangement undergirding the political status quo in Cairo.

Women in the Military of Saudi Arabia

An Emblem of Change in the Kingdom

Around the world, professions in security and defense are male-dominated. Women in uniform are clearly in the minority, even in countries with liberal societies like Germany. This makes the rapid reforms initiated in Saudi Arabia, a conservative monarchy, all the more interesting. While women were first allowed into the security sector in 2017, they have been permitted to apply for military jobs since 2021. What does the Saudi leadership want to accomplish through these steps? This policy report analyses the integration of women into the military against the backdrop of the tension between the transformative goals of Vision 2030 and the continued influence of religious conservatism in Saudi society.

Binding the Ties that Bind

Commercial Banks and Political-Economic Links between Saudi Arabia and Jordan

The policy report examines the economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, focusing on the role of commercial banks as crucial intermediaries. It discusses how Saudi investments, ownership stakes, and loans through Jordanian banks facilitate the flow of Saudi capital into various sectors in Jordan, including real estate. The report emphasises that these financial connections extend beyond governments, involving businesses and citizens, and strengthen the political relationship between the two countries. This intricate web of financial interactions demonstrates the significance of Saudi Arabia's influence on Jordan's economy and society, reaching into everyday life.

China’s Economic Ties to the Gulf

Comparisons with EU and US Economic Relations

The policy report examines China's increasing economic engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries compared to the EU and the United States. It highlights China's pursuit of energy resources and the GCC's reliance on importing industrial goods, leading to significant trade imbalances. China aims to deepen its ties with the GCC for energy security, while the GCC seeks to diversify its economic partners. The report also explores the foreign direct investments (FDI) of China, the EU, and the US in the GCC and Iran. Overall, the competition for energy imports and exports of goods underscores the global importance of these economic relations and their implications on global stability.

Emirati Women on the Rise

The Impact of Globalisation and Higher Education on the Key Social Institutions of Marriage and Family in the UAE

This policy report examines the influence of globalisation and higher education on Emirati society, particularly on marriage and family dynamics. The report highlights the rise of mixed marriages between Emirati citizens and foreign nationals and explores the implications on national identity, fertility rates, and divorce rates. It discusses the UAE government's efforts to support Emirati women's empowerment, challenges faced by women in mixed marriages, and the evolving role of women in society. The report concludes that the UAE is making strides in promoting gender equality and emphasises the critical role Emirati women will play in shaping the nation's future.

Omani Women Political Participation: Elections’ Challenges and Electors’ Confidence

This study sheds light on the challenges hindering Omani female political participation. In fact, even though Omani women have been enjoying the right to vote and run for parliament since 1994, female representation remains weak, never exceeding 2%. Relying on open-ended interviews and focus groups, the study establishes that above all, cultural and societal norms continue to hinder female political participation. A holistic approach is recommended to support female political participation, pertaining not only to electoral systems and national policymaking, but also to training and development as well as awareness-raising.

How did the War in Yemen Impact the Southern Movement?

The ongoing war in Yemen has been reshaping the Southern Movement. The war has empowered a few southern factions to self-govern across the southern governorates. However, the war’s shifting dynamics brought a set of challenges inside the southern camp. These challenges are mainly twofold: deepening political and military divisions coupled with the revival of pre-unification barriers that resembled South Yemen prior to 1990. All of this has created differences over the future of the south.