Saudization by Sector: Tourism, Healthcare, Gyms and Spas
Quick answer
Sector Saudization rules apply to establishments in specific industries. Dental establishments with three or more dental workers need 55% Saudi dentists, pharmacies 35% to 65% by setting, gyms and sports centers 15% of trainer roles from 18 November 2026, wellness centers and spas 100% of administrative roles, and tourism establishments follow three phases, the last starting on 2 January 2028.
Sector Saudization rules target occupations inside one industry, such as dentists in private clinics or trainers in gyms. Like profession rules, they sit on top of the company-wide Nitaqat rating.
Which sectors have Saudization rules?
| Sector | Saudi share | Key date | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism | Phased, 41 professions | Phase 2: 3 Jan 2027; phase 3: 2 Jan 2028 | Tourism |
| Healthcare | Varies by profession | See hub | Healthcare |
| Dentistry | 55%, SAR 9,000 floor | 27 Jan 2026 | Dental |
| Pharmacy | 35% to 65% by setting | 27 Jul 2025 | Pharmacy |
| Gyms and sports centers | 15% | 18 Nov 2026 | Gyms |
| Wellness centers and spas | 100% of administrative roles | 11 May 2026 | Wellness and spas |
The full list with thresholds and sources is in the Saudization rates database, and upcoming dates are in the Saudization calendar.
Sources
- Ministry of Health: Phase two of dental job localization. Ministry of Health, 27 January 2026.
- MHRSD: Procedural guide, localization of the tourism sector. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, 2025-04.
- Saudi Press Agency: Tourism sector localization decision. Saudi Press Agency.
- Envoy Global: Saudization rules announced for sports centers. Envoy Global, 13 January 2026.