Saudi Arabia has introduced new policies to localize jobs in the tourism sector, aiming to create more employment for citizens and improve service quality. Approved by Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, these rules took effect in October 2025 and focus on placing Saudi nationals in key roles across hospitality facilities nationwide.
Key Details of the New Policies
The policies mandate that all tourism hospitality facilities must have a Saudi receptionist on duty during working hours. This step ensures local talent handles front-line interactions with visitors.
Tourism establishments now need to register all employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development before they start work. Contracts for full-time, seconded, or seasonal workers must go through the Ajeer platform or similar approved systems.
For businesses with multiple branches, staff registration must link directly to the specific tourism license for each location. The rules also ban outsourcing Saudization positions to foreign entities or workers abroad, allowing only licensed local providers to assign Saudi nationals.
These changes build on earlier efforts, like the increase in wage subsidies for Saudi tourism workers from 30 percent to 50 percent in early 2025. The ministry aims to cover 43 professions with financial support, encouraging more citizens to join the industry.
Boosting Employment for Saudi Nationals
The localization drive targets job creation amid Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy. In 2025, the tourism sector has already seen commitments to hire new air traffic controllers, hotel staff, and tourism managers.
This initiative aligns with broader goals to reduce unemployment and empower young Saudis, especially graduates. Officials expect it to open roles like tour guides, event planners, and hospitality managers.
Recent data shows tourism contributing about 11 percent to the kingdom’s GDP in 2025, surpassing some Vision 2030 targets early. The sector welcomed over 100 million visitors in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule, fueling demand for skilled local workers.
- New jobs in focus: Receptionists, cultural experts, and event coordinators.
- Wage support expansion: Now covers 43 professions, up from previous limits.
- Hiring plans: 80 air traffic controllers and 43 electronic engineers added in 2025, with more recruitment into 2026.
These efforts have sparked optimism among job seekers, with training programs ramping up to prepare Saudis for these opportunities.
Experts note that localization could lower unemployment rates, which stood at around 8 percent in mid-2025, by integrating more nationals into high-growth sectors.
Enhancing Service Quality and Visitor Experience
By requiring Saudi receptionists, the policies aim to infuse local culture and hospitality into tourism services. This could lead to better guest experiences, as nationals bring authentic knowledge of Saudi traditions and sites.
The move addresses past concerns about service standards in a rapidly growing industry. With tourism infrastructure expanding in areas like AlUla and Madinah, having locals in key positions ensures cultural sensitivity and efficiency.
Feedback from industry leaders suggests this will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a global destination. Visitors in 2025 have reported higher satisfaction in localized facilities, according to recent surveys.
However, some businesses worry about the transition period, as training and recruitment take time. The ministry has promised support through subsidies and monitoring to ease implementation.
Alignment with Vision 2030 Goals
These policies support Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to make tourism a pillar of economic diversification. The vision targets 150 million visitors by 2030, with the sector contributing 10 percent to GDP.
In 2025, progress includes new attractions and investments, driving job growth. The localization rules empower nationals in leadership roles, fostering sustainable development.
| Vision 2030 Tourism Targets | 2025 Progress | 2030 Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Visitors | Over 100 million (achieved early) | 150 million |
| GDP Contribution | 11 percent | 10 percent |
| Job Creation | Thousands in hospitality and related fields | Millions across non-oil sectors |
| Key Focus Areas | Localization, infrastructure, cultural preservation | Global competitiveness |
This table highlights how current achievements are on track or ahead, boosting confidence in the vision’s success.
The policies also tie into global trends, where countries prioritize local employment in tourism to build resilient economies.
Potential Challenges and Enforcement Measures
While the rules promise benefits, enforcement remains crucial. The ministry plans strict monitoring, with penalties for non-compliance, including fines and operational restrictions.
Businesses must adapt quickly, potentially facing short-term staffing gaps. To counter this, training initiatives have expanded, offering courses in hospitality and customer service.
Industry observers predict that full implementation could take until 2026, but early adopters report smoother operations and higher employee morale.
Overall, these challenges are seen as steps toward a stronger, more inclusive tourism sector.
Future Outlook for Saudi Tourism
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth in 2026 and beyond. With investments in regions like Aseer and Madinah, more jobs and better services are expected.
The localization push could inspire similar moves in other industries, contributing to national goals. As the kingdom attracts more international visitors, these policies will play a key role in sustaining momentum.
Share your thoughts on how these changes might impact travel to Saudi Arabia. Have you visited recently? Comment below and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
