Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development Announces Higher Saudization Rates in Marketing and Sales Professions

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the issuance of two decisions to increase Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions, as part of its efforts to strengthen the participation of national talent in the labor market, raise localization levels in specialized roles, and create attractive, productive employment opportunities for Saudi men and women across all regions of the Kingdom.

Under the first decision, the Saudization rate in marketing professions within the private sector will be increased to 60%, effective 19/01/2026. The decision applies to establishments employing 3 or more workers in marketing roles, with a minimum monthly wage set at SAR 5,500. The targeted professions include: (Marketing Manager, Advertising Agent, Advertising Manager, Graphic Designer, Advertising Designer, Public Relations Specialist, Advertising and Promotion Specialist, Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Manager, and Photographer). Implementation will commence 3 months from the date of announcement, allowing establishments sufficient time to prepare and comply with the new requirements.

The second decision stipulates raising the Saudization rate to 60% in sales professions within the private sector, effective 19/01/2026. It applies to establishments employing 3 or more workers in sales roles. The targeted professions include: (Sales Manager, Retail Sales Representative, Wholesale Sales Representative, Sales Representative, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sales Specialist, Sales Specialist, Commercial Specialist, and Commodity Broker). The decision will come into force 3 months from the date of announcement, allowing the affected establishments sufficient time to meet the requirements and achieve the prescribed Saudization rate.

The Ministry further clarified that private sector establishments will benefit from a package of incentives offered through the Human Resources and Social Development ecosystem. These incentives include support for recruitment, training and upskilling, employment, and job stability, in addition to priority access to Saudization support programs and initiatives provided by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF – Hadaf).

The Ministry emphasized that the decisions to increase Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions were based on in-depth analytical studies of labor market needs, aligned with the number of job seekers in relevant fields, as well as the current and future requirements of the sales and marketing sectors. It noted that implementing these decisions will enhance the attractiveness of the labor market, contribute to the creation of high-quality employment opportunities, and strengthen job stability for national talent.

The Ministry has published the procedural guidelines for both decisions on its official website. The guidelines outline the targeted professions, the mechanisms for calculating Saudization rates, and the required compliance steps. All covered establishments are urged to adhere to the implementation to avoid statutory penalties and to take advantage of the designated grace period to prepare and meet the requirements.

• To view the procedural guide for Saudization of sales professions, click here.

• To view the procedural guide for Saudization of marketing professions, click here.