Prioritizing saudization policy interventions in Saudi Arabia: An integrated fuzzy AHP-VIKOR framework

Saudi Arabia is proactively advancing its economic vision beyond traditional oil reliance, embracing diversification as a strategic national priority. Central to this transformation is the Saudization program, designed to empower Saudi nationals through increased workforce participation. This study introduces a novel hybrid FAHP-FVIKOR methodology to comprehensively evaluate revitalization strategies for the program. Our analysis identifies Youth Mobilization as the foremost policy approach, demonstrating exceptional potential to cultivate professional engagement among Saudi youth and strengthen national talent development. Recognized for its practical sustainability and synergistic integration with complementary initiatives, this policy fosters a dynamic framework for enhancing Saudization outcomes. By prioritizing youth empowerment and workforce activation, the policy significantly advances both Saudization objectives and the Kingdom's broader economic diversification goals. This research contributes pioneering insights into effective policy integration for sustainable economic development, employing advanced fuzzy MCDM techniques to support Saudi Arabia's forward-looking transformation.