Launched three years ago, the program was designed to gradually localize jobs across private sector industries through a structured and transparent framework.. Its initial goal was to create 340,000 jobs for Saudis, a benchmark that was surpassed well ahead of schedule due to strong compliance and participation from businesses..

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the results of the first phase have contributed directly to lowering unemployment rates and increasing Saudi participation in private companies.. Officials highlighted that the program also improved job stability and encouraged employers to invest in local talent..

Following the success of the first phase, the ministry has officially launched the second phase of the initiative.. This next stage will run for three years and aims to localize more than 340,000 additional jobs, further strengthening the role of Saudi professionals in the private sector..

The phased structure of the program has been widely praised for giving companies sufficient time to adapt to localization requirements.. By offering clear Saudization targets over a defined period, businesses are able to plan recruitment, training, and workforce development more effectively..

Experts believe the strong outcomes demonstrate the government’s long-term commitment to building a sustainable labor market aligned with Vision 2030 goals.. The initiative focuses not only on job numbers but also on improving workforce quality and organizational stability..

Employment growth under the program has been driven by cooperation between regulators and private sector employers.. Incentives, regulatory clarity, and gradual implementation have helped reduce resistance while encouraging long-term compliance..

The ministry has emphasized that localization is being implemented in a balanced way, ensuring business continuity while prioritizing national talent.. This approach has helped maintain investor confidence and avoid sudden disruptions in key industries..

According to officials, the Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program has also supported skills development by encouraging companies to train Saudi employees for specialized and managerial roles.. This has contributed to career progression opportunities and higher retention rates..

Government data shows that the private sector now employs millions of Saudi nationals, reflecting a steady shift away from reliance on expatriate labor.. The program has played a central role in accelerating this transition over the past three years..

Policy experts note that localization initiatives are increasingly focused on long-term employability rather than short-term quotas.. Programs like Nitaqat Al-Mutawar are seen as tools for reshaping workforce culture and improving productivity..

The second phase is expected to expand localization into additional sectors while refining compliance mechanisms.. Authorities aim to ensure that job creation remains aligned with economic growth and private sector needs..

Officials have also stressed the importance of monitoring and evaluation to maintain program effectiveness.. Continuous assessment will help identify gaps, improve implementation, and ensure fair outcomes for both employers and employees..

As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy, workforce localization remains a key pillar of national development strategy.. Employment programs are increasingly linked to broader goals such as competitiveness, innovation, and social stability..

The success of the Nitaqat Al-Mutawar Program highlights the impact of structured policy design combined with strong public-private cooperation.. With the second phase now underway, expectations are high that employment gains will continue to accelerate in the coming years..

Moualla was honored with the prestigious Fair Saturday Award during a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, celebrating her transformative vision in promoting culture, sustainability, and social innovation through gastronomy.

ZADK Culinary Academy founder receives prestigious Fair Saturday Award for leadership, innovation, and community development.

The Fair Saturday Award, launched in 2017, is given to inspiring individuals and organizations whose initiatives create measurable social impact through art, culture, and education. It recognizes leaders who have established new models of action aimed at fostering inclusive, fair, and sustainable growth.

The 2025 ceremony also celebrated notable figures including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, journalist and author Martin Wolf, actress Adjoa Andoh, dancer and choreographer Ahmad Joudeh, pianist Joaquin Achucarro, and cultural association Gerediaga Elkartea.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Moualla expressed her excitement and gratitude. “ZADK is more than just a non-profit culinary academy,” she said. “Our goal is to preserve local culture, protect heritage, promote job creation, emphasize sustainability, and drive social transformation. I’m thrilled that our success has now been recognized on the international stage.”

Founded with a vision to harness the power of gastronomy for social good, ZADK Culinary Academy aims to create positive social change through excellence in culinary education and innovation. The academy provides aspiring Saudi chefs and restaurateurs with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to pursue successful careers while nurturing creativity and celebrating local culture and cuisine.

Moualla’s approach goes beyond traditional culinary training. ZADK provides scholarships for qualifying students and offers a variety of programs, including a two-year higher culinary diploma, a one-year associate diploma, a six-month professional certificate, and shorter courses tailored for specific skill development.

These programs equip students with practical experience and theoretical knowledge, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the workplace. Employers, in turn, benefit from a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to professional environments.

The academy places a strong emphasis on sustainability and cultural preservation. Students are trained to work with local ingredients, traditional recipes, and innovative cooking methods that honor regional culinary heritage while promoting environmentally conscious practices. ZADK’s curriculum also includes entrepreneurship training, helping graduates build businesses that contribute to local economies and create employment opportunities.

Over the years, ZADK has successfully transformed the lives of countless young Saudis, instilling confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility.

By combining culinary excellence with community-focused education, Moualla has developed a replicable model for using vocational training to achieve social impact.

The Fair Saturday Award underscores the global relevance of ZADK’s mission. By linking culture, education, and entrepreneurship, the academy exemplifies how specialized skills can drive meaningful social transformation.

The award also highlights Moualla’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, where education and training provide pathways for young people to thrive professionally and socially.

In addition to educational programs, ZADK actively engages with local communities to raise awareness about sustainability, nutrition, and cultural heritage.

The academy collaborates with restaurants, cultural institutions, and government organizations to provide internships, workshops, and public events that promote gastronomy as a tool for social good.

Moualla’s work has earned admiration both nationally and internationally for its innovative approach to social entrepreneurship. By combining professional excellence with community engagement, ZADK serves as a model for other educational institutions aiming to create social impact in meaningful and measurable ways.

Looking ahead, Moualla plans to expand ZADK’s programs to reach more regions in Saudi Arabia, providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

She envisions a future where culinary arts serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, empowering young professionals while preserving cultural identity and contributing to sustainable development.

The recognition at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao marks a significant milestone for Moualla and ZADK Culinary Academy. It affirms the importance of education, culture, and entrepreneurship in driving positive societal change and highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in fostering innovative social initiatives on the global stage.

Through her pioneering efforts, Rania Moualla has demonstrated that education, culture, and community engagement can be powerful tools for transforming lives, promoting sustainability, and building inclusive societies. Her achievements inspire future generations of Saudi entrepreneurs and social innovators to pursue impactful, purpose-driven careers.