Saudi Arabia to reserve 41 tourism jobs for nationals

Dubai: Saudi Arabia announced on Monday a sweeping plan to localise 41 professions in the tourism sector as part of its efforts to expand job opportunities for Saudi citizens and reshape the private sector workforce.

The move, led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, will be rolled out in three phases starting April 22, 2026, and is set to impact all private tourism establishments in the Kingdom.

The decision targets a series of leadership and specialist roles, including hotel manager, hotel operations manager, tourism development specialist, travel agency manager, site guide, and hotel receptionist.

Other roles include purchasing, planning and development, and sales specialists.

In a statement, the MHRSD said the phased approach will ensure a “smooth transition” for businesses while maximizing employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.

The second phase is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2027, with the final phase launching on January 2, 2028.

A detailed procedural guide has been published on the ministry’s website, outlining which professions are covered, the specific Saudization ratios required, and penalties for non-compliance. The guide also includes the formulas used to calculate adherence to localization targets.

“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.”

Tourism has emerged as one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing sectors, driven by ambitious projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea development, and the introduction of tourist visas.