Sustainable careers in Saudi Arabia: the impact of Saudization, gender differences, informal networks and demographic factors in the private sector

Purpose The Sustainable Career Model (SCM) is used as the theoretical framework in this study to investigate how Saudization, demographic factors and informal networks influence career sustainability in Saudi Arabia's private sector. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was used, drawing on survey responses from 438 Saudi nationals across various industries. Data were collected across three waves with four-week intervals to minimize common method variance. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to test direct and moderation effects. Findings Saudization significantly enhanced perceptions of career sustainability, particularly among individuals with stronger demographic profiles. Demographic factors emerged as the most powerful predictor and also moderated the Saudization–career sustainability relationship. Informal networks had no significant direct effect and did not significantly moderate the Saudization–career sustainability relationship, suggesting a potential institutional shift toward merit-based systems under Vision 2030. Originality/value This study contributes to the field of career development and public policy by extending the application of the SCM to the unique socio-economic context of a Gulf Cooperation Council setting where nationalization policies, demographic imbalances and informal social structures shape career trajectories. It challenges conventional assumptions about the dominance of informal networks (wasta) in Arab labor markets by demonstrating that, while networks may facilitate initial access to jobs, they do not contribute to long-term career sustainability. The study presents practical, demography-sensitive recommendations for policymakers seeking to enhance the inclusivity of Saudization and for private sector employers aiming to align HR policies with national workforce goals.