Definition
The Saudi Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF, known in Arabic as Hadaf) is the government fund that supports Saudi nationals entering private-sector work through wage subsidies, training programmes, career guidance and job matching. Its programmes connect Saudisation policy with practical incentives for employers, graduates, women and job seekers.
Overview
Founded in 2000, HRDF serves as the primary financial incentive mechanism for driving Saudisation in the private sector. The fund provides employers with wage subsidies that offset the cost differential between hiring Saudi nationals and lower-cost expatriate workers. These subsidies are typically time-limited, tapering over several years as the employee gains experience and productivity.
HRDF manages multiple programmes targeting different segments of the Saudi workforce. Tamheer provides on-the-job training for recent graduates, Wusool subsidizes transportation costs to remove a barrier to female employment, Qurrah supports childcare costs for working mothers, and Jadarat is a national employment and skills platform. The fund also supports vocational training, career counselling, and industry-specific skills development initiatives.
The fund is financed primarily through levies on private-sector employers and government budget allocations. HRDF has supported millions of Saudi job placements since its establishment and is continuously expanding its programme portfolio to address evolving labour market needs.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 |
| Arabic Name | Hadaf |
| Key Programmes | Tamheer, Wusool, Qurrah, Jadarat |
| Services | Wage subsidies, training, career guidance, job matching |
| Funding | Employer levies and government allocations |
| Beneficiaries | Millions of Saudi job placements supported |
| Target | Private-sector Saudi employment |
Role in Vision 2030
HRDF is a critical enabler of Vision 2030’s Saudisation and employment objectives. The fund bridges the cost and skills gap that has historically deterred private-sector employers from hiring Saudi nationals, directly supporting the target of reducing Saudi unemployment to 7 percent. Its programmes for women — particularly Wusool and Qurrah — have been instrumental in driving the rapid increase in female labour force participation that has been one of Vision 2030’s most notable achievements.
HRDF works in close coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Nitaqat, and the education system to create an integrated employment support ecosystem that moves Saudi nationals from education through training into sustainable private-sector careers.