RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in attracting global talent amid ongoing geopolitical shifts and financial uncertainty, moving up two spots on the list of preferred countries for workforce mobility. 

The “Decoding Global Talent 2024” report by Boston Consulting Group highlights Saudi Arabia’s rise to the 26th most preferred country, underscoring the success of the Kingdom’s strategic initiatives to position itself as a global hub for professionals.  

This fourth edition of the study draws insights from over 150,000 professionals across 188 nations, tracking global talent trends since 2014. 

Riyadh’s rise to the 54th rank globally underscores its emergence as a hub of opportunity and progress in the eyes of global talent.  

Christopher Daniel, managing director and senior partner at BCG, said: “As the global talent shortage becomes an increasingly pressing challenge for the world's foremost economies, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a pivotal player in narrowing this gap.”  

He added: “With a significant proportion of respondents citing the quality of job opportunities, the attractive income, tax, and cost of living, as well as the assurance of safety, stability, and security as key reasons for choosing the Kingdom, it’s evident that Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in its labor market are bearing fruit.” 

Daniel noted that the Kingdom is leveraging labor migration to enhance its workforce, offering a secure and hospitable environment that caters to the diverse needs of international professionals. 

“By fostering a job market that is attuned to the evolving aspirations of global talent while prioritizing their well-being, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a compelling destination for those seeking growth and fulfillment in their careers,” he said.

Furthermore, the report highlights that younger generations and individuals from rapidly expanding populations are particularly attracted to global mobility, pursuing diverse experiences and opportunities for professional growth. 

With 23 percent of global professionals actively pursuing international positions and 63 percent remaining receptive, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.  

The Kingdom offers an enriching environment for a globally oriented workforce to excel and progress in their careers, presenting an enticing option for individuals seeking both personal and professional advancement in an ever more interconnected global landscape. 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Egypt remain dominant destinations among Middle East and North Africa travelers in 2024, retaining top spots in international preferences, according to a study. 

Singapore-based travel booking app Wego ranked Egypt as the top destination for tourists from the region between January and April, followed by the Kingdom, with India consistently holding the third spot since 2016. 

Saudi Arabia’s second spot on the wish list is a clear indication of the Kingdom’s progress as a global tourist destination, aligning with its National Tourism Strategy aiming to attract 150 million visitors by 2030. 

“We are excited to see Egypt emerge as the leading destination for travelers in the MENA region during Q1 2024. According to Wego's data, Egypt stands out as a favored choice among travelers seeking unique cultural experiences and diverse attractions,” said Mamoun Hmedan, chief business officer at Wego. 

He added: “Meanwhile, the United Kingdom retains its position as the preferred European destination for Middle Eastern travelers.” 

Among Middle East destinations, the top three — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and UAE —maintained their positions from 2023. Egypt and the Kingdom, in particular, have consistently held the top two spots since Wego began tracking customer trends over a decade ago. 

The study utilized traveler searches and hotel booking data from its website as the foundation for its findings. 

The report further revealed that the UAE ranked as the fourth favorite destination, followed by Pakistan, Kuwait, and Turkiye. 

Meanwhile, China dropped one spot, reaching the 27th top destination among MENA travelers. 

The UK remains the top European destination from the Middle East, holding the first spot for 10 of the last 11 years, briefly overtaken during the pandemic. Italy has notably surged from fourth to second. 

Italy, a top global tourist spot, consistently ranks in the top ten European destinations for Middle East travelers.   

This year marks Italy’s debut in the top three. Joint investments between Saudi Arabia and Italy in late 2023, along with direct flights by ITA Airways to Riyadh and Jeddah, signify growing ties. 

Countries farther from the Gulf region, such as Morocco, Indonesia, and the US experienced the most decline among top destinations. 

This trend continued in 2024, with Malaysia, the Philippines, and the US dropping out of the global top 10, while Kuwait, Pakistan, and Jordan, which entered the top ten last year, remain preferred destinations for MENA travelers.