Phased localisation of tourism jobs in Saudi Arabia announced

At a glance

• Saudi Arabia will localise 41 professions within the private sector's tourism industry.
• The localisation will be implemented in three phases starting on 22 April 2026, 3 January 2027, and 2 January 2028.
• Key roles include Hotel Manager, Travel Agency Manager, Tourism Development Specialist, and Hotel Receptionist.
• A guide detailing the decision, professions involved, and required localisation percentages is available on the Ministry's website.

Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, along with the Ministry of Tourism, has announced a decision to localise 41 professions within the private sector's tourism industry.

This localisation initiative will be rolled out in three phases, focusing on key leadership and specialised roles such as:

• Hotel Manager.
• Hotel Operations Manager.
• Hotel Audit Manager.
• Travel Agency Manager.
• Planning and Development Manager.
• Tourism Development Specialist.
• Tourist Guide Specialist.
• Tourism Organiser.
• Hospitality Specialist.
• Site Guide.
• Procurement Specialist.
• Sales Specialist.
• Hotel Receptionist.

The first phase will commence on 22 April 2026, followed by the second phase on 3 January 2027, and the final phase on 2 January 2028. This decision applies to all private sector tourism establishments. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has published a procedural guide on its website, detailing the decision, the professions involved, and the required localisation percentages. This guide aims to inform employers and establishments about the localisation calculation mechanism and the penalties for non-compliance.