Current State and Trends in the Saudi Arabian Translation Market: An Analytical Study of Job Postings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14991276Keywords:
Translation market, Saudi Arabia, Job market analysis, Compensation packages, Technical skillsAbstract
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the translation market in Saudi Arabia through an examination of job advertisements posted on specialized online platforms. Using an innovative data collection methodology based on a Python-programmed web scraper, the study analyzed twenty-three job postings between early and mid-January 2025. The research encompasses seven integrated dimensions, spanning geographical and sectoral job distribution, job requirements and qualifications, work patterns and conditions, financial incentives and benefits, while highlighting the technical requirements and cultural competencies demanded in the contemporary job market. The findings reveal a notable geographical concentration in Riyadh, which accounts for over half of the available job opportunities. The sectoral analysis demonstrates the dominance of business, technical, and military sectors, accompanied by significant variations in professional requirements and financial compensation across sectors. One of the study's key findings is the fundamental shift in required skills, with technical and cultural competencies becoming central requirements in most advertised positions. Based on these findings, the study offers strategic recommendations for developing the translation sector in Saudi Arabia, focusing on restructuring academic programs and establishing an integrated system for continuous professional development, while advocating for policies that promote more balanced geographical distribution of job opportunities across the kingdom.
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