Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on his third official visit to Saudi Arabia from April 22 to 23, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. This visit highlights the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, marked by robust cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, defense, and people-to-people ties.

The visit comes at a critical juncture, as Saudi Arabia intensifies its ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, a comprehensive national strategy launched in 2016. This agenda aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, empower its citizens, and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The Prime Minister’s trip is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and create new avenues for collaboration, particularly in areas aligned with the transformative goals of Vision 2030, including gender equality—a global advocacy championed by India.

Transformative Changes for Women in Saudi Arabia

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has implemented transformative reforms that have dismantled long-standing barriers for women, empowering them with greater personal autonomy and legal protections. Legal reforms have lifted the long-standing driving ban, reduced male guardianship requirements, and introduced anti-harassment legislation. These changes have significantly enhanced the rights and freedoms of Saudi women.

Highlighting these changes, Dr. Kavitha, an assistant professor and member of the Indian diaspora in Jeddah, said:“As an expatriate living in Saudi Arabia, I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable progress in women’s empowerment over the past few years. One of the most significant milestones was when women gained the right to drive. This single change had a profound impact—granting women freedom of movement, access to employment, and the ability to support their families more independently.”

“Saudi women have become more self-sustained and actively involved in various sectors of the economy. This progress has been strongly backed by government support, which has introduced progressive reforms and favorable policies to promote gender equality. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, Saudi Arabia today presents a wealth of opportunities for Indian women to thrive, contribute, and lead in the changing Middle East”, she added.

The economic impact of these reforms is already visible. Female workforce participation in Saudi Arabia has increased dramatically, rising from 23.2% in 2016 to over 36.2% by 2025, surpassing the government’s original Vision 2030 targets. Women now own nearly 45% of small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom, signaling a substantial shift in the business landscape and providing new opportunities for economic empowerment.

Ms. Lamha Hamsa, a marketing manager at a dates factory in Jeddah, noted: “Working as a female gives you more points, and the government itself and all the companies are now directing towards having more females”.

Women in Leadership and Previously Male-Dominated Sectors

Saudi women are also making their presence felt in sectors that were traditionally male-dominated. Over 3,500 women are now employed in the justice system as lawyers and legal representatives, marking a significant achievement for women in the legal profession. In addition, there is growing female representation in leadership positions across industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and business.

These gains are supported by a variety of government initiatives aimed at eliminating employment barriers and fostering entrepreneurship opportunities for women. The Kingdom’s efforts are designed to not only create equal opportunities in the workforce but also promote women’s leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields.

India’s Role in Advancing Gender Equality

India has played a vital role in advancing gender equality globally, and its contributions to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are notable. During its G20 presidency, India successfully rallied member countries, including Saudi Arabia, to commit to reducing the gender gap in labor force participation by 25% by 2025. This commitment focuses on financial inclusion, education, healthcare access, and leadership development for women.

The partnership between India and Saudi Arabia is also strengthened through valuable knowledge sharing. India’s experiences in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and digital inclusion have been instrumental in supporting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing reforms in sectors like healthcare and education. This collaboration positions both nations as regional leaders in advancing gender equality, with the potential for ripple effects across South Asia and the Gulf region.