Working in Saudi Arabia: Complete Expat Job Guide 2026

Why Work in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing the most ambitious economic transformation in the history of the Gulf region. Vision 2030, the kingdom's strategic blueprint launched in 2016, is reshaping every sector of the economy — from entertainment and tourism to technology and renewable energy. With a population of 36 million and approximately 38% expatriate residents, Saudi Arabia offers one of the largest and fastest-growing job markets in the Middle East.

The kingdom's appeal for international professionals has surged in recent years. Reforms to social norms, the introduction of entertainment venues, the opening of tourism visas, and the relaxation of gender-segregation requirements in workplaces have made Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever. Combined with zero personal income tax and competitive salary packages, the country presents compelling career opportunities across dozens of industries.

Saudi Aramco, the world's most valuable company, anchors the economy, but the government is actively diversifying into sectors like fintech, e-commerce, gaming, sports, and cultural tourism. Mega-projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea destination, ROSHN, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, many of which require international expertise.

Top Industries Hiring in Saudi Arabia

Oil, Gas & Energy

Saudi Arabia holds the world's second-largest proven oil reserves, and the hydrocarbons sector remains the backbone of the economy. Saudi Aramco, the national oil company, is the largest employer in the industry and one of the most sought-after employers globally. Roles in petroleum engineering, reservoir management, refinery operations, and environmental compliance are consistently in demand. The kingdom is also investing heavily in renewable energy through ACWA Power and the Saudi Green Initiative, creating opportunities in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy.

Monthly salaries in oil and gas range from SAR 12,000-20,000 for mid-level engineers to SAR 35,000-70,000 for senior specialists and managers. Aramco packages often include housing compounds, schooling allowances, and annual flights.

Construction & Mega-Projects

Vision 2030 has unleashed a construction boom of unprecedented scale. NEOM, the futuristic city on the Red Sea coast, is a USD 500 billion project requiring architects, engineers, urban planners, environmental scientists, and construction managers. The Red Sea Tourism Development, Qiddiya entertainment city, and the Riyadh Metro expansion are similarly massive undertakings. Civil engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, and HSE specialists are in acute demand.

Construction project managers can expect SAR 20,000-40,000 monthly, while senior directors on mega-projects can command SAR 50,000-80,000 with comprehensive benefits.

Technology & Digital Transformation

Saudi Arabia's tech sector is growing rapidly, fueled by government investment and a young, digitally savvy population. The National Technology Development Program aims to grow the IT sector's GDP contribution. Riyadh is positioning itself as a regional tech hub, with companies like stc (Saudi Telecom), Elm, and numerous fintech startups hiring aggressively. Roles in software engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI/ML, and data science are highly valued.

Mid-level tech professionals earn SAR 15,000-28,000 monthly, with senior architects and engineering managers commanding SAR 30,000-55,000.

Finance & Banking

The Saudi financial sector is one of the most robust in the region, anchored by institutions like Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), and the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The Kingdom's Capital Market Authority oversees a maturing stock exchange (Tadawul), and the fintech sector is booming with over 200 licensed fintech companies. Islamic finance expertise is particularly valued.

Healthcare

Saudi Arabia is investing over SAR 180 billion in healthcare infrastructure through the National Transformation Program. The Ministry of Health, along with private operators like Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group and Fakeeh Care, are expanding capacity. International doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare IT specialists are in strong demand. Medical licensing through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is required, and DataFlow verification is mandatory.

Tourism & Entertainment

Until recently, Saudi Arabia had virtually no tourism industry. Today, the kingdom targets 150 million annual visits by 2030. The General Entertainment Authority has opened the doors to concerts, cinemas, sports events, and cultural festivals. Tourism projects along the Red Sea coast and in AlUla are creating thousands of hospitality and event management roles. The Diriyah Gate project, transforming the historic birthplace of the Saudi state into a cultural and tourism destination, seeks heritage professionals, architects, and hospitality managers. Monthly salaries for tourism management roles range from SAR 10,000-18,000 for mid-level positions, with resort general managers and directors earning SAR 25,000-45,000.

Salary Expectations

Saudi salaries are quoted in monthly SAR (Saudi Riyal), pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 3.75 SAR per USD. There is no personal income tax, making gross and net salaries identical. Many employers also provide housing allowances, transport allowances, and annual airfare.

Typical monthly salary ranges by experience level:

• Entry Level (0-2 years): SAR 5,000-12,000
• Mid Level (3-7 years): SAR 12,000-25,000
• Senior Level (8-15 years): SAR 25,000-50,000
• Executive/Director: SAR 50,000-120,000+

Salaries in the oil and gas sector and mega-projects tend to be at the higher end, while hospitality and retail roles are at the lower end. Benefits packages can add 20-40% to the total compensation value, with housing being the single largest additional benefit.

Visa and Work Permits

Saudi Arabia has modernized its visa framework significantly in recent years:

• Employment Visa (Work Visa): Sponsored by your employer through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). Valid for 1-2 years, renewable. The employer bears all costs and handles the process.
• Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card): A permanent or temporary residency option for high-net-worth individuals and skilled professionals. Permanent residency costs SAR 800,000 one-time, while temporary residency is SAR 100,000 per year.
• Freelance Visa: Available for self-employed professionals in specific sectors, allowing independent work without a traditional sponsor.
• Seasonal Visa: For Hajj and Umrah season workers in the hospitality and services sectors.

The Iqama (residency permit) is the primary identification document for expatriates. It is tied to your employer, though recent reforms have made it easier to transfer between employers. All foreign credentials must be attested by the Saudi embassy in your home country, and healthcare professionals need SCFHS verification.

Cost of Living

Saudi Arabia offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the UAE, particularly in housing:

Housing (Monthly Rent)

• 1-bedroom apartment in Riyadh (central): SAR 2,500-5,000
• 2-bedroom apartment in Jeddah: SAR 3,000-6,000
• 3-bedroom villa in Dammam/Khobar: SAR 5,000-10,000
• Compound living (gated communities with amenities): SAR 8,000-20,000

Other Expenses

• Groceries: SAR 1,200-2,000/month for a couple
• Dining out: SAR 25-70 for a mid-range meal
• Transportation (car essential in most cities): SAR 400-800/month fuel
• Utilities (SEWA): SAR 300-800/month
• Health insurance: Mandatory, provided by employer (CCHI regulated)
• International school fees: SAR 25,000-70,000/year per child

A comfortable single lifestyle in Riyadh typically requires SAR 8,000-14,000 monthly, while families should budget SAR 18,000-35,000 depending on housing and schooling choices. Jeddah and Dammam are slightly more affordable than Riyadh.

Working Culture

Saudi workplace culture is evolving rapidly but retains important traditional elements:

• Work week: Sunday to Thursday for government entities. Many private sector companies, especially multinationals, now operate Monday to Friday. The standard work week shifted for government to Sunday-Thursday since 2013.
• Working hours: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week maximum. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day for Muslim employees.
• Annual leave: 21 days for the first 5 years of service, increasing to 30 days thereafter (Saudi Labor Law).
• Public holidays: Two main holidays — Eid Al Fitr (approximately 4 days) and Eid Al Adha (approximately 4 days), plus Saudi National Day (September 23) and Founding Day (February 22).
• Prayer times: Businesses pause for the five daily prayers. Shops and some offices close briefly during prayer times, typically 20-30 minutes each.

Relationship building (wasta) plays a significant role in Saudi business culture. Meetings often begin with coffee, dates, and personal conversation before business matters. Hierarchy is respected, and decisions typically flow from the top. Dress code is generally conservative — business suits for men, modest professional attire for women. Saudi nationals in the private sector often wear the traditional thobe and ghutra.

Saudization (Nitaqat System)

One of the most critical factors for expat job seekers to understand is Saudization, the government's nationalization policy implemented through the Nitaqat system. This program mandates that private sector companies employ a minimum percentage of Saudi nationals, with quotas varying by industry and company size.

Companies are classified into color bands — Platinum, Green, Yellow, and Red — based on their Saudization compliance. Companies in the Red band face restrictions on issuing new work visas and renewing existing ones. This means certain roles, particularly in HR, procurement, accounting, and customer-facing positions, are increasingly reserved for Saudi nationals.

For expat professionals, the practical implication is to focus on roles where international expertise is genuinely needed — senior technical positions, specialized engineering roles, healthcare, and areas where local talent supply is still developing. Having niche skills that are not yet widely available in the local workforce significantly improves your chances of securing and retaining employment.

Top Cities for Expat Professionals

Riyadh

The capital and largest city, Riyadh is the political, financial, and increasingly the commercial heart of the kingdom. Home to government ministries, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), major banks, and a burgeoning tech scene, Riyadh offers the widest range of professional opportunities. The city is undergoing massive development through the Riyadh Season entertainment initiative and the planned King Salman Park. International companies are increasingly establishing regional headquarters here, partly driven by the government's mandate requiring companies to base their regional HQs in Riyadh to qualify for government contracts.

Jeddah

The commercial capital and gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, Jeddah has a more cosmopolitan and relaxed atmosphere than Riyadh. The city is a major port and logistics hub, with a strong trade and hospitality sector. Jeddah's waterfront (Jeddah Corniche) development and the Jeddah Tower project (when completed) represent significant investment. The city tends to be more socially liberal and has a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Dammam / Khobar / Dhahran (Eastern Province)

The Eastern Province is the heartland of Saudi Arabia's oil industry. Saudi Aramco's headquarters is in Dhahran, and the region hosts numerous oilfield service companies, petrochemical plants (SABIC), and industrial facilities. The Dammam-Khobar-Dhahran metropolitan area offers a more close-knit expat community. Al Khobar, connected to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway, is popular with professionals who enjoy weekend trips to Bahrain.

NEOM

While still under construction, NEOM is already employing thousands of professionals across planning, engineering, environmental science, technology, and hospitality. Located in Tabuk province on the Red Sea coast, NEOM represents the most ambitious urban development project in the world. Early-stage professionals who join NEOM gain unique experience in building a city from scratch with cutting-edge sustainability and technology standards.

Networking and Professional Development

Saudi Arabia's professional landscape is evolving rapidly, with an increasing number of industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season have expanded beyond entertainment to include business forums and professional gatherings. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) hosts regular investment forums that attract international professionals and companies.

Professional certifications carry significant weight in the Saudi job market. Engineering professionals should consider registration with the Saudi Council of Engineers, while finance professionals benefit from CFA, CPA, or Islamic finance certifications. Healthcare professionals must maintain their SCFHS registration, and technology professionals with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud certifications command premium salaries. Many companies in Saudi Arabia provide certification support as part of their professional development budgets, so this is worth negotiating during the offer stage.

LinkedIn is widely used for professional networking in Saudi Arabia, and the platform has become a primary recruitment channel for many companies. However, personal introductions and referrals remain the most effective way to access opportunities, particularly with government entities and Saudi-owned businesses. Building relationships at industry events, professional association meetings, and through alumni networks is essential for long-term career success in the kingdom.

Tips for Job Seekers

1. Understand Saudization requirements: Research which roles in your industry are subject to Saudization quotas. Focus on positions where your specialized skills add unique value that cannot be easily sourced locally.
2. Leverage Vision 2030 sectors: Tourism, entertainment, renewable energy, fintech, and sports are all growth sectors with strong demand for international experience. Align your career narrative with these priorities.
3. Tailor your CV for the Saudi market: Include your nationality, visa status, marital status, and a professional photo. Saudi employers expect these details. Highlight any GCC or Middle East experience prominently.
4. Negotiate a comprehensive package: Beyond base salary, discuss housing allowance (typically 25% of basic salary), transport allowance, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for dependents, children's education allowance, and end-of-service benefits.
5. Get credentials attested early: Educational certificates must be attested by the Saudi Cultural Mission and your home country's foreign ministry. Professional licenses (especially in healthcare and engineering) require additional verification.
6. Network through professional associations: Saudi Arabia has active chapters of international professional bodies. LinkedIn is widely used, and industry events and conferences in Riyadh and Jeddah are excellent networking opportunities.
7. Consider compound living: For families, gated compound communities offer a familiar lifestyle with pools, gyms, schools, and social clubs. While more expensive, they ease the cultural adjustment significantly.

Employment Law Essentials

The Saudi Labor Law governs employment relationships for private sector workers:

• Probation period: Maximum 90 days, extendable to 180 days by written agreement. Either party can terminate during probation without notice or compensation.
• Notice period: 30 days for monthly-paid employees, 15 days for others, unless the contract specifies a longer period.
• End-of-service award (Gratuity): Half a month's basic salary for each of the first 5 years of service, and one full month's salary for each subsequent year. Calculated on the last basic salary.
• Working hours: 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Overtime is paid at 150% of the hourly rate.
• Termination protections: Employers cannot terminate without valid cause after probation. Unfair dismissal entitles the employee to compensation.
• Wage Protection System (WPS): All salaries must be paid through approved banking channels, ensuring timely and documented payment.
• Exit/Re-entry visas: Employees can now travel without employer approval through the Absher platform, a significant reform from the previous kafala (sponsorship) system.

Insider Tips: Succeeding in Saudi Arabia's Job Market

Beyond the fundamentals, experienced expats in Saudi Arabia share these advanced strategies for maximizing your career trajectory in the kingdom:

Timing Your Job Search

The Saudi hiring cycle has distinct peaks and valleys. The most active hiring periods are January through March (new fiscal year budgets) and September through November. Avoid job searching during Ramadan and the summer months (June-August), when many decision-makers are on leave and business activity slows significantly. Government entities are particularly slow during these periods. If you are targeting mega-project roles at NEOM, The Red Sea, or Qiddiya, these organizations tend to hire year-round due to aggressive project timelines.

Navigating the Iqama Transfer Process

While recent reforms have made employer transfers easier, the process still requires careful planning. Your current employer must update your status in the Qiwa platform, and the new employer must initiate a transfer request. The process can take 1-4 weeks. Importantly, if your Iqama is expired or your current employer has outstanding violations, the transfer may be delayed. Always ensure your documentation is current before initiating a move. The Absher platform allows you to check your Iqama status, visa validity, and travel permissions independently.

Building Relationships with Saudi Colleagues

In Saudi business culture, personal relationships often matter more than formal qualifications. Invest time in building genuine connections with Saudi colleagues and clients. Accept invitations to majlis gatherings and social events. Understanding tribal and regional dynamics within Saudi society will help you navigate professional relationships more effectively. Saudi professionals who vouch for your abilities can open doors that no amount of cold applications can. Learning a few Arabic phrases — beyond basic greetings — demonstrates commitment and earns respect.

Salary Negotiation Leverage Points

Many expats underestimate the negotiation room in Saudi offers. Key leverage points include: housing compound specification (name the compound you want), school fee coverage (specify the school), annual ticket class (business vs. economy), car allowance vs. company car, and contract renewal bonuses. For senior roles, negotiate a contract completion bonus (typically 1-3 months' salary) paid at the end of the initial contract term. Also negotiate your leave balance — while the law mandates 21 days minimum, most employers will agree to 25-30 days for experienced professionals.

Premium Residency Strategy

If you plan to stay long-term and have the financial means, the Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) at SAR 100,000/year provides significant advantages: you can sponsor yourself, switch employers freely, own property, and invest without a Saudi partner. For high-earning professionals, the investment pays for itself through the freedom and flexibility it provides. Evaluate whether your salary level justifies this investment within the first year of employment.

Riyadh HQ Mandate and Career Positioning

The Saudi government now requires international companies seeking government contracts to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh. This mandate has triggered a wave of corporate relocations from Dubai, bringing new senior roles and regional leadership positions to the capital. Professionals who position themselves in Riyadh early gain access to these emerging opportunities before the market becomes saturated. Companies in the process of setting up Riyadh operations often offer attractive relocation packages and career acceleration for early joiners willing to help build the local team from the ground up.