Saudi Arabia: Saudization of Certain Tourism Professions Forthcoming

Saudi Arabia will introduce Saudization requirements for several roles in the tourism industry over the next three years as follows:

• From April 22, 2026, the Saudization rate for receptionists, information clerks, hotel receptionists, and call center agents will be set at 100%; for branch managers, tour guides, and equivalent roles will be 70%; and for tourist agents, sales representatives and equivalent roles will be 50%.
• From January 3, 2027, chef roles will be subject to a 30% Saudization rate.
• From January 2, 2028, hotel managers, sales managers, and equivalent roles will be subject to a 50% Saudization rate.

These reforms continue a broader trend of Saudi Arabia introducing Saudization reforms in several sectors, including accounting, dentistry, engineering and pharmacy professions, as well as healthcare professions, the consulting sector, and certain engineering employers.