In line with its ongoing efforts to enhance national employment opportunities, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has officially announced a decision to nationalize 41 leadership and specialized professions within the private tourism sector.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader workforce localization strategy aimed at empowering local talent and providing attractive job opportunities for citizens across the Kingdom.
Phased Implementation Plan
To ensure a smooth transition, the nationalization plan will be rolled out in three phases:
Phase 1 begins on April 22, 2026
Phase 2 starts on January 3, 2027
Phase 3 takes effect on January 2, 2028
During each phase, all private sector businesses operating in the tourism industry will be required to comply with the new regulations.
The initiative covers 41 key roles, including:
Hotel Manager
Hospitality Operations Manager
Hotel Supervision Manager
Travel Agency Manager
Planning and Development Manager
Tourism Development Specialist
Tour Guide Specialist
Tourism Organizer
Hospitality Specialist
Site Guide
Procurement Specialist
Sales Specialist
Hotel Receptionist
These roles span various levels of leadership and specialization, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a skilled national workforce.
Guidelines and Compliance
To support implementation, the Ministry has released a comprehensive procedural guide on its official website. This guide includes:
A full list of targeted professions
Required Saudization percentages
Penalties for non-compliance
Moreover, this initiative aligns with the Ministry’s long-term goal of increasing national employment rates. It also supports the broader objectives of the Labor Market Strategy, aimed at promoting sustainable workforce growth and leveraging local talent across all economic sectors.
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