Restaurant Manager Salary in Saudi Arabia: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Restaurant Manager Compensation in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is undergoing the most ambitious food and beverage transformation in the history of the Middle East. Vision 2030’s tourism and entertainment strategy has unleashed a torrent of restaurant openings, hotel F&B expansions, and mega-project dining precincts that collectively represent the largest single opportunity for Restaurant Managers anywhere in the world. Riyadh alone is projected to add thousands of licensed food establishments by 2028, Jeddah’s waterfront is being reimagined with world-class dining destinations, and giga-projects including NEOM, Red Sea Global, AMAALA, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya are each building dozens of standalone restaurants and hotel dining outlets that require experienced management talent from day one.

The Saudi dining landscape has evolved dramatically since the Kingdom’s entertainment reforms began in 2019. Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season now attract millions of visitors each year, supporting hundreds of temporary and permanent F&B concepts. International restaurant brands are entering the market at an unprecedented pace—from Michelin-starred fine dining to global casual chains. Saudi Arabia’s own restaurant entrepreneurs, backed by a new generation of investors, are launching ambitious homegrown concepts that rival anything in Dubai or London. For Restaurant Managers, this means abundant opportunities, competitive salaries, rapid career progression, and the chance to shape the dining culture of a nation in transformation.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Restaurant Manager salaries in Saudi Arabia vary based on experience, city, venue classification, and the specific F&B segment. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries in SAR and reflect the current 2026 market across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and emerging hospitality zones.

Entry-Level / Assistant Restaurant Manager (0–3 years): SAR 5,000–9,000 per month. Assistant Restaurant Managers at hotel outlets operated by chains like Hilton, Marriott, or Accor typically start at SAR 6,000–8,000 with accommodation provided. Those at standalone restaurants under groups like AlShaya or Americana earn SAR 7,000–9,000 as base salary. New management trainees joining structured programs at major QSR operators begin at SAR 5,000–7,000 with defined promotion timelines. The entry-level range is rising faster than any other tier due to the sheer volume of new restaurant openings competing for junior management talent.

Mid-Level / Restaurant Manager (3–7 years): SAR 9,000–15,000 per month. Restaurant Managers running independent venues or single hotel outlets earn within this band. At branded hotel restaurants in Riyadh or Jeddah, mid-level managers earn SAR 10,000–14,000. At standalone casual dining and family restaurant concepts, the range is SAR 9,000–13,000. Managers at premium standalone restaurants—particularly those with international F&B group backing—can reach SAR 15,000. Multi-unit managers at QSR and fast-casual brands such as Herfy, Al Baik, or Kudu command SAR 12,000–15,000 given the operational complexity of managing several outlets simultaneously.

Senior Level / Senior Restaurant Manager & F&B Manager (7–12 years): SAR 15,000–24,000 per month. Senior Restaurant Managers at flagship hotel dining venues or high-profile standalone concepts earn within this range. F&B Managers at five-star hotels in Riyadh and Jeddah overseeing three to eight restaurant and bar outlets earn SAR 18,000–24,000. At emerging giga-project properties, senior managers who join during the pre-opening phase can negotiate SAR 20,000–24,000 with additional relocation bonuses. Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) dining complexes, which are opening across the Kingdom, offer senior management roles at SAR 16,000–22,000.

Executive Level / Director of F&B & Regional Director (12+ years): SAR 24,000–38,000 per month. Directors of Food and Beverage at major hotel properties earn SAR 24,000–32,000. Regional Directors at restaurant groups overseeing ten to twenty outlets across Saudi Arabia earn SAR 28,000–38,000. At giga-project operators like Red Sea Global and NEOM, Director-level F&B roles command SAR 30,000–38,000 with comprehensive relocation packages. Performance bonuses at this level can add three to six months of base salary annually, tied to revenue targets and guest satisfaction scores.

The Saudi F&B Revolution: A Market Unlike Any Other

What makes Saudi Arabia uniquely attractive for Restaurant Managers is the scale and speed of the hospitality transformation. The Kingdom’s restaurant market was valued at approximately USD 25 billion in 2025 and is growing at over 8% annually. Several factors distinguish this market from any other in the GCC or globally.

Giga-projects creating entirely new dining destinations: NEOM’s Sindalah island resort is building a portfolio of over 30 restaurants and cafés. Red Sea Global’s 50+ planned hotels across its coastal resort destination will each require F&B management teams. AMAALA, the ultra-luxury wellness destination, is developing dining concepts curated to compete with the finest in the Mediterranean. Diriyah Gate, the cultural quarter outside Riyadh, is creating a dining precinct inspired by the world’s great food cities. Each of these projects is actively recruiting experienced Restaurant Managers with relocation packages that include signing bonuses, furnished accommodation, and accelerated career paths.

No alcohol licensing: Saudi Arabia does not permit the sale of alcohol, which fundamentally shapes restaurant operations and management. Unlike the UAE, where beverage revenue can constitute 40–60% of total sales at licensed venues, Saudi restaurants generate all revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverages. This means Restaurant Managers in Saudi Arabia focus entirely on food quality, service excellence, and guest experience without the complexity of liquor licensing, bar operations, or alcohol compliance. For managers who prefer this operational model—or who come from backgrounds where alcohol service is not part of their experience—Saudi Arabia represents a natural fit. The absence of alcohol also means that service charge structures differ; tips and service charges are less common than in licensed markets, making the base salary and structured bonuses the primary compensation drivers.

Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements: The Saudi government’s Nitaqat program mandates minimum percentages of Saudi nationals in the private sector workforce. For the hospitality sector, this means Restaurant Managers must be adept at recruiting, training, and retaining Saudi staff alongside expatriate team members. Managers who demonstrate success in Saudization—developing Saudi nationals into supervisory and management roles—are particularly valued and can command salary premiums of 10–15%. Understanding Saudi labour law, including the working hour regulations during Ramadan and the specific provisions for female employees, is essential knowledge for Restaurant Managers in the Kingdom.

Chain Restaurants Versus Independent Operations

Saudi Arabia’s restaurant market is dominated by major franchise operators and restaurant groups, though the independent segment is growing rapidly.

Americana Group (KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, TGI Friday’s, Costa Coffee): As the largest QSR and casual dining operator in the Middle East and North Africa, Americana employs thousands of Restaurant Managers across Saudi Arabia. The company offers structured compensation packages with clear grade levels, annual increments, and performance bonuses. Single-store managers earn SAR 8,000–12,000; multi-unit managers earn SAR 14,000–20,000. The scale of Americana’s operations provides excellent career progression from unit management to regional and national leadership roles.

Herfy Food Services: Saudi Arabia’s largest homegrown fast-food chain operates over 400 locations. Herfy’s management compensation is competitive within the QSR segment, with single-store managers earning SAR 7,000–11,000 and area managers earning SAR 12,000–18,000. The company provides comprehensive training programs and prioritises internal promotion, making it a strong starting platform for career-minded Restaurant Managers.

Al Baik: Arguably the most beloved restaurant brand in Saudi Arabia, Al Baik operates primarily in the Western Province (Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah) and has been expanding into Riyadh. Restaurant Manager roles at Al Baik are highly competitive, with salaries of SAR 8,000–14,000 and strong benefits. The brand’s cult following and operational excellence standards make it a prestigious employer within the Saudi QSR sector.

AlShaya Group F&B Brands (Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Shake Shack): AlShaya operates over 70 international F&B brands across the MENA region, with Saudi Arabia as its largest market. Restaurant Managers at premium AlShaya brands earn SAR 10,000–16,000, with multi-unit managers reaching SAR 18,000–24,000. The group’s portfolio breadth allows managers to move between brands and concepts, gaining diverse experience within a single organisation.

Kudu: A popular Saudi-owned fast-casual chain specialising in sandwiches and breakfast, Kudu operates hundreds of locations. Management salaries range from SAR 7,000–12,000 for store managers, with area management roles paying SAR 13,000–18,000.

Elaf Group: Focused on hospitality and F&B in the Makkah and Madinah corridor, Elaf manages hotels and restaurants that serve millions of religious tourism visitors annually. The unique operational demands of serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims—extreme volume spikes, 24-hour operations, and multilingual guest needs—create specialised management roles with competitive compensation.

Accommodation Benefits in Saudi Hospitality

Staff accommodation is a particularly important benefit in Saudi Arabia, where housing costs in Riyadh and Jeddah have risen sharply alongside the hospitality boom. Hotel operators typically provide shared or private staff accommodation at no cost. At giga-project locations like NEOM and Red Sea Global, purpose-built staff villages offer furnished rooms with recreation facilities, gymnasiums, and communal dining—a necessity given the remote locations of these developments.

For standalone restaurant managers in cities, employers commonly provide a housing allowance of SAR 2,000–5,000 per month, depending on the manager’s level and the city. In Riyadh, where a one-bedroom apartment ranges from SAR 2,000–5,000 per month, this allowance covers the majority or all of housing costs. Some restaurant groups provide company-leased apartments for management teams, simplifying the process of finding accommodation in a market where foreign residents may face challenges navigating the rental landscape.

Benefits Package

Beyond accommodation, Saudi Arabia’s restaurant employers provide comprehensive benefits that enhance total compensation.

Medical Insurance: Mandatory under Saudi law. Employers provide coverage that includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and basic dental. Premium employers add family coverage, optical, and maternity benefits. Coverage is valued at SAR 5,000–20,000 per year.

Annual Flights: One to two return flights to the home country per year. Senior managers may receive business class tickets. Valued at SAR 2,000–7,000 annually.

Transport Allowance: SAR 500–2,500 per month, or a company vehicle for senior roles. Essential given that Saudi Arabia’s cities are car-dependent and public transport is still developing (though the Riyadh Metro is changing this).

End-of-Service Gratuity: Saudi labour law entitles employees to half a month’s salary for each of the first five years and one full month’s salary per year thereafter. A Restaurant Manager earning SAR 12,000 who completes five years of service receives SAR 30,000 upon departure.

Ramadan Considerations: During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by two hours per day for all employees. Restaurant operations shift to evening and night service, with iftar and suhoor meals replacing standard lunch and dinner services. Restaurant Managers must adapt schedules, staffing, and menu offerings accordingly. Some employers provide Ramadan bonuses or additional leave.

Tax-Free Advantage and Savings Potential

Saudi Arabia has zero personal income tax for both nationals and expatriates. Combined with employer-provided accommodation and meals, Restaurant Managers in Saudi Arabia can achieve savings rates of 50–70% of gross salary. A mid-level Restaurant Manager earning SAR 12,000 per month with housing and meals covered faces personal expenses of SAR 1,000–2,500 monthly, enabling savings of SAR 9,500–11,000 per month. Note that Saudi Arabia levies a 15% VAT on consumer goods and services, which is higher than the UAE’s 5%, but this does not affect employment income.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

Giga-project hiring surge: NEOM, Red Sea Global, AMAALA, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya are all entering their operational phases between 2025 and 2030. Each project will recruit hundreds of Restaurant Managers, creating intense competition for experienced talent and driving salaries upward across the entire Saudi market.

Female workforce participation: Saudi Arabia’s social reforms have opened restaurant management careers to women on an unprecedented scale. Female Restaurant Managers are now common across the Kingdom, particularly in family-section dining and international brand outlets. Employers actively recruiting female managers often offer additional benefits including dedicated transport and family-friendly scheduling.

International brand influx: Dozens of international restaurant brands are entering Saudi Arabia annually, each requiring management teams familiar with brand standards, franchise operations, and the Saudi regulatory environment. This creates premium opportunities for Restaurant Managers with international brand experience.

Local cuisine renaissance: Saudi Arabia is celebrating its culinary heritage through initiatives like the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and events like the Saudi Food Forum. Restaurant Managers who understand and respect Saudi cuisine and dining traditions bring added value that is increasingly recognised in compensation negotiations.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Saudi Arabia

• Leverage the talent shortage. Saudi Arabia’s hospitality expansion far outpaces the supply of experienced Restaurant Managers. Use this to your advantage—multiple offers are common, and employers are prepared to negotiate aggressively for proven performers.
• Negotiate relocation support. Pre-opening roles at giga-projects often include signing bonuses of SAR 5,000–15,000, furnished accommodation, and full visa processing costs covered by the employer. Ask about these explicitly.
• Highlight Saudization success. If you have experience training and developing local talent in any market, emphasise this. Employers who are meeting or exceeding Nitaqat targets gain tangible benefits, and managers who enable this are highly valued.
• Quantify operational results. Revenue growth, food cost reduction, guest satisfaction improvements, and staff retention metrics are the most persuasive negotiation tools. Prepare specific numbers from previous roles.
• Negotiate compound housing for remote locations. At giga-projects, the quality and location of staff accommodation varies significantly. Negotiate for the best available housing tier, as this directly affects your quality of life in remote locations.

Employer-by-Employer Salary Intelligence

Access detailed compensation data for Restaurant Managers across 25+ Saudi employers, including Americana Group, AlShaya Group, Herfy, Al Baik, Kudu, Elaf Group, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), Red Sea Global, NEOM hospitality, and major international hotel chains. See exact base salary ranges by position level and city, Saudization compliance strategies that boost your value, accommodation quality comparisons at giga-project staff villages, and relocation package benchmarks for pre-opening roles.

Saudi Restaurant Management Interview Guide

Get tailored preparation materials for Restaurant Manager interviews in the Saudi market. Includes operational scenario questions specific to Saudi regulations (family sections, prayer time management, Ramadan operations), Nitaqat compliance discussion points, financial acumen assessments, and a total compensation calculator that factors in housing, transport, flights, and end-of-service gratuity for accurate offer comparison across employers and cities.