Key Tourism Roles To Be Localized In Saudi Arabia As Part Of National Employment Push 

JEDDAH: Hotel managers, travel agency directors, and tour guides are among 41 tourism roles set to be reserved for Saudi nationals under plans to boost local employment and reduce reliance on foreign labor. 

In coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the decision, highlighting that the move targets leadership and specialist jobs in the private sector. 

Other roles earmarked for this localization designation include planning and development supervisors, tourism development specialists, procurement and sales professionals, and hotel receptionists.

The initiative is part of a broader labor market strategy to boost Saudization, a program launched in 2011 to increase domestic employment in the private sector through industry-specific quotas. 

It has helped reduce Saudi unemployment from 12.8 percent in 2018 to 7.1 percent by mid-2024, surpassing the Vision 2030 goal of 8 percent. The Kingdom has set a new target of 5 percent unemployment by 2030.

In a post on his X account, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to job localization in partnership with the private sector. He also emphasized ongoing efforts to train and equip national talent through top local and international institutions to ensure a world-class tourism experience.

He said: “We are proud that our young men and women have become the frontlines of the tourism sector, conveying our culture and embodying the values of warmth, generosity, and authentic Saudi hospitality in their interactions with the Kingdom’s guests.”

This program will launch in three phases, starting on April 22, 2026 with the full Saudization of four tourism roles, 70 percent localization for 12 positions, and 50 percent for another 12. 

The second stage, set to begin on Jan. 3, 2027, will implement a 30 percent localization rate for one specific role.

Starting Jan. 2, 2028, the final step will focus on localizing 50 percent of leadership positions within the sector. 

In a post on his X account, Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi said: “This move comes as part of the continued efforts by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to support national talent and enhance their participation in the labor market, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

The most recent localization push came in January, when the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, announced new Saudization targets for the pharmaceutical sector. 

Starting July 27, community pharmacies and medical complexes must reach a 35 percent Saudization rate, hospitals 65 percent, and other pharmacy-related businesses 55 percent. The regulations will apply to companies with five or more pharmacy professionals.