Saudi Arabia has announced a major localization initiative targeting 41 professions within the tourism sector, a move that underscores the Kingdom’s broader push to create more jobs for Saudi citizens and transform its private sector workforce.
The plan, revealed on Monday, will be implemented in three phases starting April 22, 2026, and will apply to all private tourism establishments operating in the Kingdom. Led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, the initiative marks one of the most comprehensive Saudization drives in the tourism industry to date.
Who will be affected?
The decision covers a wide range of roles across the tourism value chain — from leadership to frontline service. These include:
- Hotel manager
- Hotel operations manager
- Tourism development specialist
- Travel agency manager
- Site guide
- Hotel receptionist
Additional roles include purchasing agents, planning and development professionals, and sales specialists. Each role will have specific Saudization targets that businesses must meet over time.
How will it be implemented?
The localization strategy will be introduced in three stages:
- Phase 1: Begins April 22, 2026
- Phase 2: Begins January 3, 2027
- Phase 3: Begins January 2, 2028
According to the MHRSD, the phased timeline is designed to ensure a “smooth transition” for private firms while expanding job opportunities for nationals.
What are the requirements?
A detailed procedural guide has been published on the ministry’s website. It includes:
- The list of affected professions
- Required Saudization ratios
- Penalties for non-compliance
- Calculation methods for localization targets
Why now?
Tourism is one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing sectors, propelled by high-profile initiatives like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and the rollout of tourist visas. The Kingdom aims to draw millions of international visitors annually as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy.
“This initiative will support our ongoing efforts to elevate the presence of Saudi talent in the labor market,” the ministry said. “We are committed to empowering national competencies and creating a more dynamic, sustainable economy.”
The localization plan reflects Riyadh’s wider ambitions to reduce dependency on foreign labor and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more broadly among Saudi citizens.
