Saudi Arabia: New Saudization Requirement Announced for Sports Sector and Housing Supervisors

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the Ministry of Sports have announced that men’s and women’s sports centers and gyms with four or more employees in the following roles must ensure that 15% are filled by Saudi nationals by November 18, 2026: sports coach, professional football coach, professional aquatic sports coach, sports supervisor, professional ice sports coach, professional self-defense coach, fitness trainer, professional racket sports coach, personal trainer, professional athletics coach, professional equestrian coach, and professional coach (ball sports).  

Separately, MHRSD and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing now require companies that provide shared accommodations for 20 or more individuals, such as residential complexes, mobile cabins and residential buildings, to comply with Saudization requirements. The housing supervisor role will be subject to a 100% Saudization rate, effective February 1, 2026. Saudi housing supervisors must be paid a minimum monthly salary of SAR 5,000 to be counted toward the quota or will be seen as violating the rule. 

Affected employers should review the composition of their workforce so that it is aligned with newly announced Saudization rates. Employers that fail to comply may face penalties, including the suspension of MHRSD services, such as employee transfer services and work permit renewals. The implementation of these new Saudization requirements follows a broader trend across a number of industries, including tourism, accounting, dentistry, engineering and pharmacy.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.