Saudi Arabia has launched a major “Saudization” initiative to empower its national workforce and reinforce the foundations of its tourism sector.
In a joint announcement by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the Ministry of Tourism, the Kingdom confirmed it will localise 41 key professions within the tourism industry. This landmark decision is a crucial step towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and nurture Saudi talent across critical sectors.
The Saudization of tourism professions will be implemented in a phased approach, providing businesses with the necessary time to adapt to the new regulatory environment. The first phase will begin on 22 April 2026, followed by a second phase on 3 January 2027, and a final phase on 2 January 2028. Each stage will expand the scope of roles to be localised, ensuring a smooth transition towards a workforce increasingly led by Saudi citizens.
The 41 professions identified for localisation span a wide range of leadership, specialist, and customer-facing roles. Hotel general managers, operations managers, travel agency directors, finance managers, tourism development specialists, tour guides, receptionists, sales executives, and purchasing officers are among those included. By focusing on these strategic roles, the government aims not only to boost employment for Saudi nationals but also to elevate the quality and authenticity of services offered to visitors.
To support the initiative, the ministries have published a procedural guide for private sector establishments. This document outlines the specific professions to be localised, the required Saudization percentages, and the penalties for non-compliance. Private sector businesses are encouraged — and in many cases required — to invest in recruitment, training, and professional development programmes to ensure Saudi talent is fully prepared to take on these roles.
“By investing in the skills and leadership of Saudi citizens, the Kingdom is shaping a tourism sector that is not only world-class, but authentically Saudi.”
For international companies operating in Saudi Arabia, the new regulations will require a recalibration of human resources strategies. Greater emphasis will need to be placed on partnerships with Saudi training institutions, the development of internal training pathways, and the recruitment of national talent. While international expertise will continue to contribute to the sector’s growth, the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia is clearly being shaped by a commitment to Saudi leadership at every level.
For visitors, this transformation promises a richer and more authentic experience. Saudi professionals, drawing on their cultural heritage and deep understanding of the Kingdom’s history, are well placed to offer tailored, engaging tourism experiences that set Saudi Arabia apart on the global stage. Hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators staffed with local talent will be able to provide a more personalised and meaningful connection to the destination.
This new focus on Saudization also reflects broader global trends. Countries around the world are increasingly looking for ways to ensure that the benefits of tourism growth are shared more equitably with local populations. Should Saudi Arabia’s phased localisation programme succeed, it may well serve as a model for emerging tourism economies aiming to build sustainable, locally-driven visitor industries.
As the initiative moves through its three phases, Saudi Arabia is not only creating jobs; it is investing in the human capital that will sustain its tourism sector for decades to come. In doing so, the Kingdom sends a powerful message to the world: the future of Saudi tourism will be shaped, led, and defined by the talents of its own people.
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