RIYADH: The Ministry of Labor and Social Development on Sunday launched a unified organization for women’s work environment initiative. It aims to create an attractive working environment for women in various labor market activities, while also helping the private sector to attract female workers.
The initiative addresses a number of issues including avoiding any action that puts pressure on women’s freedom in a way that does not conform to the labor laws. There shall be no gender discrimination in wages for work of equal value. Furthermore, creating an appropriate working environment for women is a direct responsibility of the employer, by creating a suitable space for women to carry out their responsibilities, making sure to provide privacy and independence in women’s sections in the office.
In the event that women and men are employed in the same place of work, the number of females working in the same shift shall not be less than two. Women should not be employed in cleaning facilities or room service and made to carry luggage in the tourist accommodation sector, except for private accommodation that is for females only.
The ministry also requires companies and enterprises to provide enough security guards or an electronic security system that is operated by women. In addition, women should not work in facilities reserved for men only.
The ministry excludes the employment of women in industrial occupations and jobs that would expose them to dangers.
The ministry also specified working hours for females at night for various activities, which is until 11 p.m., except for industrial activities where they work until 6 p.m.
However, there are some other activities and situations in which women may operate at night, such as if the work is related to health or charity, emergency situations or if working at night is necessary to keep materials from rapid damage.
Women can also work at night if they hold senior positions, or if they are working in establishments that fall under the supervision of the cities or governorates and their municipalities in the month of Ramadan and peak seasons and in the central areas of Hajj and Umrah, such as working in women’s supplies shops or providing entertainment and nutrition services.
According to the ministerial decree, the penalties imposed by the labor law and the relevant ministerial decisions shall be applied on the establishment that violates any of the provisions of this decree, and shall be effective from the date of its issuance.
Initiative launched to ensure better working conditions for Saudi women
Initiative launched to ensure better working conditions for Saudi women
- The ministry excludes the employment of women in industrial occupations and jobs that would expose them to dangers
- Labor ministry issues decree to guarantee equal pay for equal work, prevent discrimination
Experimental farm in Al-Lith looks into future of Saudi Arabian agriculture
- Research initiative reflects strategic transformation
JEDDAH: An experimental farm in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Lith Governorate is one of the research initiatives reflecting the strategic transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
The farm uses highly efficient, sustainable production models that combine scientific research with commercial application, contributing to strengthening the country’s food security system and the sustainability of water resources.
Located in the Ghumaiqa Center on an area of about 10 hectares, the cutting-edge farm is a testing platform for modern agricultural technologies that tackle the challenge of water scarcity.
The farm includes developed open fields and modern greenhouses, supported by smart irrigation encompassing drip and sprinkler irrigation alongside surface and subsurface technologies.
All the systems operate via smart controls that enable the monitoring of water consumption and ensure improved efficiency, thereby achieving a balance between agricultural production and water conservation.
The farm also uses treated and diluted low-salinity seawater.
It aims to diversify agricultural water sources, reduce reliance on freshwater, and open new horizons for agriculture in coastal and semi-arid environments.
The project represents a promising investment opportunity in the field of smart agriculture, enabling the development of commercially scalable production models, particularly for high-value vegetables and fruits, while reducing operational costs associated with water and energy, enhancing the economic feasibility of future agricultural projects.
In addition, the project contributes to transferring and localizing agricultural expertise, supporting local food supply chains, and creating an attractive environment for agricultural investment.
This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and enhances the efficiency of the private sector in adopting innovative agricultural solutions.
Yahya bin Abdulrahman Al-Mahabi, the director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Lith Governorate, told the Saudi Press Agency that the project represented the future of agriculture in the Kingdom.
He explained that the vision was based on investing in technology, enhancing the return on water per unit, and integrating scientific research with investment opportunities.
Al-Mahabi spoke of the experimental farm as a modern, scalable and replicable model applicable in several regions of the Kingdom, particularly in coastal environments.
Al-Mahabi highlighted the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s commitment to supporting distinctive projects that contributed to achieving food security while developing rural areas and enhancing agricultural production efficiency, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
