The Saudi Arabian government, led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is taking revolutionary steps for the welfare of the people under “Vision 2030”. The main goal of these schemes is to improve the lifestyle of Saudi citizens and promote economic stability.
Financial Support: Citizen’s Account Program (Hisaab al-Muwatin)
This is Saudi Arabia’s largest social safety net scheme. It was launched in 2017, but in 2024–2025, additional subsidies (Additional Support) have been included.
- Target Audience: Low- and middle-income Saudi households.
- Key Benefit: Monthly cash transfers provided to offset the impact of electricity bills and VAT.
- Latest Update: The government has recently extended the “Additional Support” period to help protect against inflation.
Housing Revolution: Sakani Program
The goal of the “Sakani” program is to provide 70% of Saudi citizens with their own homes by 2030.
- Subsidized Loans: The government, in collaboration with banks, provides interest-free or low-interest loans.
- Self-Construction: If you own land, the government provides financial assistance to build a home.
- Ready Homes: Ready-made units from the Ministry of Housing are available through easy installment plans.
Employment & Skills: HRDF (HADAF) Schemes
The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) is running several schemes to increase the participation of Saudi youth in the private sector.
- Tamheer Program: A 3- to 6-month paid internship for graduates.
- Wusool (Transport for Women): Up to 80% subsidy on taxi (Uber/Careem) fares for working women.
- Qurrah (Childcare): Financial assistance for nursery fees for working mothers.
Social Protection: Developed Social Security (Daman al-Ijtima’i)
The new social security system now targets only those who are genuinely in need. In addition to cash assistance, “Rehabilitation” and “Training” are also mandatory to help individuals transition from receiving aid to becoming self-reliant.
Healthcare and Wellbeing
Under the “Health Transformation Program,” Saudi Arabia is providing free digital healthcare for every citizen.
- Sehaty App: Through this app, people can book online appointments, receive medicine deliveries, and access virtual clinic services.
FAQs: Common Queries About Saudi Gov Schemes
Q1: Can expats benefit from these schemes?
Most financial support programs (Citizen Account, Sakani) are only for Saudi citizens. However, expats can benefit from digital services like Tawakkalna and Absher, as well as some private sector training programs.
Q2: How to check eligibility for the Sakani program?
You can download the Sakani App and enter your National ID (Sijil Madani) to check your eligibility instantly.
Q3: What is the deadline to register for the Citizen Account?
Registration for the Citizen Account is always open, but your data must be updated by the 10th of each month before the payment is processed.
Q4: Does the government provide support if I lose my job?
Yes, the SANED program (under GOSI) provides a monthly stipend to those whose employment ends through no fault of their own.
Q5: Which schemes are best for women?
For working women, Wusool (Transport) and Qurrah (Childcare) are the most beneficial schemes, reducing their expenses by up to 70–80%.
Q6: Can I appeal if my eligibility for the “Citizen’s Account” (Hisaab al-Muwatin) is rejected?
Yes, absolutely. If your application is rejected or you feel the amount you received is insufficient, you can submit an objection within 90 days of the result. You will need to go to the Citizen Account portal and re-upload the necessary documents (such as salary certificates or rental agreements) so your case can be reviewed.
Q7: What is the “Jood Eskan” platform and how is it different from the regular Sakani scheme?
Jood Eskan is a special crowdfunding platform designed for extremely low-income households who cannot afford the regular Sakani installments. The government, along with charitable organizations, provides housing for these individuals. It is specifically aimed at those facing severe financial hardship or special circumstances.
Q8: Can Saudi citizens working in the private sector benefit from the “Hafiz” program?
No. Hafiz (Unemployment Benefit) is only for those who are currently unemployed and actively seeking work. If you are employed in the private sector, you cannot access Hafiz; instead, you can benefit from other HADAF programs, such as reimbursement for professional certification fees, which help with career growth.
Q9: What are the requirements to benefit from the “SANED” program?
SANED is for employees who are registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). Benefits are provided when:
- Your employment must have ended through no fault of your own or due to resignation.
- You must have worked for at least 12 months in the past 36 months.
- Under this scheme, you receive a fixed portion of your previous salary (initially up to 60%) to support yourself until you find a new job.
Q10: What is the transport subsidy limit under the “Wusool” program?
The Wusool program for working women has been further improved. After registration, the government covers up to 80% of taxi fares, with a monthly cap of approximately 1,100 SAR. This benefit is available for the first 24 months (2 years) of employment to provide financial support at the start of a woman’s career.
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