Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — April 2025
In a major step toward empowering its national workforce, Saudi Arabia has announced a new Saudization policy targeting 41 key roles in the tourism sector, including hotel managers, receptionists, and travel professionals. The decision, unveiled by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, is set to be rolled out in three phases, starting April 22, 2026.
The initiative aims to create more meaningful employment opportunities for Saudi nationals — both men and women — and aligns with the broader goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and build a sustainable tourism industry powered by local talent. 
Professions Covered Under the New Policy
The professions to be Saudized span a wide range of leadership and specialist roles across the tourism and hospitality industries. These include:
- Hotel Manager
- Hotel Operations Manager
- Hotel Control Manager
- Travel Agency Manager
- Tourism Development Specialist
- Tourist Guide Specialist
- Hotel Receptionist
- Sales and Purchasing Specialists
- Site Guides
- Planning and Development Managers
All private sector establishments in the tourism industry will be required to comply with the new localization requirements.
Implementation Timeline
- Phase 1: Begins on April 22, 2026
- Phase 2: Starts on January 3, 2027
- Phase 3: Final phase begins on January 2, 2028
To assist businesses in understanding and applying the new regulations, the MHRSD has released a detailed procedural guide. This document outlines the targeted professions, Saudization quotas, calculation methods, and penalties for non-compliance. It is available through the Ministry’s official website.
A Strategic Move for Economic Growth
This latest decision reflects the Saudi government’s sustained efforts to increase the participation of local talent in the private sector. By focusing on the tourism industry — a rapidly growing pillar of the Saudi economy — the Kingdom aims to build a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting its long-term goals of economic diversification, cultural promotion, and global tourism leadership.
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