Tourism Saudization: 41 Professions and Three Implementation Phases

Tourism Saudization is the set of Saudi localization requirements that apply to 41 professions in private tourism establishments, introduced in three phases between 2026 and 2028. The decision was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and announced on 21 April 2025. This page sets out the rates, the dates, the calculation method and what is still unpublished.

Which tourism professions are covered, and at what rate?

The 41 professions sit in five tables, each with its own rate and start date. Phase 1 holds three tables (100%, 70% and 50%), phase 2 holds one (chef at 30%) and phase 3 holds one (senior management at 50%).

The examples are illustrative. The full list of titles, with their registered occupation codes, is in MHRSD's procedural guide, and coverage follows the occupation registered for each employee. Our guide to mapping job titles to Saudi occupation codes explains how to check this.

The phase 2 and phase 3 start dates are the ones to plan around now. We cover the January change in tourism Saudization phase 2: what starts on 3 January 2027.

When does each tourism phase start?

Phase 1 started on 22 April 2026, phase 2 starts on 3 January 2027 and phase 3 starts on 2 January 2028. The decision was announced on 21 April 2025, so phase 1 began one year later.

Some secondary sources give different dates. One law-firm summary cites 22 June 2026 for phase 1, and another cites 1 March 2027 for phase 2. MHRSD's guide, the Saudi Press Agency, Fragomen and Gulf News all give 22 April 2026, 3 January 2027 and 2 January 2028, and we use those. All upcoming dates are in the Saudization calendar.

Which employers does the tourism decision apply to?

It applies to private-sector tourism establishments that employ one or more workers in a covered profession. MHRSD's guide describes the scope by licensed economic activity and includes subcontracted arrangements, so outsourcing a covered role does not remove it from the calculation.

There is no minimum establishment size beyond that single worker. A small hotel with one covered receptionist is in scope for the 100% table. An establishment with no one in a covered profession is not.

Clyde & Co's analysis points the same way on outsourcing: employers remain accountable when a localized role is filled through a third party. Our explainer on whether outsourcing exempts you from Saudization covers the wider rule.

How do you calculate the tourism Saudization requirement?

Multiply the number of employees in each profession by the required percentage, then round. MHRSD's guide gives the example of 5 employees at 70%: 3.5, which rounds up to 4 Saudis. It states that results of 0.5 and above round up.

The table applies that rule to common team sizes. Each profession is calculated against its own table's rate.

Small teams feel rounding most. A kitchen with five chefs will need two Saudis from 3 January 2027, which is 40% of the team rather than 30%.

Is there a minimum salary for a Saudi to count?

MHRSD's procedural guide does not set a tourism-wide minimum salary, but it says minimum wages set by earlier localization decisions still apply. It gives marketing managers and marketing specialists as examples, at SAR 5,500 a month, which matches the floor in the separate marketing decision. Check the guide for each role you employ. Salary thresholds also affect your separate Nitaqat percentage.

What happens if a tourism establishment does not comply?

MHRSD states that establishments that miss the targets, or that assign localized roles to non-Saudis directly or indirectly, face penalties under its violations and penalties schedules. Inspection teams monitor localization decisions after they take effect. Our guide to Saudization violations and penalties explains how enforcement works across decisions.

What should tourism employers do before 3 January 2027?

1. List every employee by registered occupation against all five tables, including branches and subcontracted staff.
2. Check that registered occupations match actual duties. Correct genuine errors through the proper process, and do not reclassify roles to avoid a rule.
3. Confirm your phase 1 position. The 100%, 70% and 50% tables have applied since 22 April 2026.
4. Calculate the chef requirement for 3 January 2027, using the rounding rule above.
5. Plan phase 3 early. Senior management roles are the hardest to fill, and the pool of experienced Saudi hotel and restaurant managers may be limited.
6. Use support programs. MHRSD points employers to recruitment assistance, training support, employment support and priority access to localization programs. See Saudization support programs.

The 90-day readiness checklist turns these steps into a plan for HR.

What does tourism Saudization mean for Saudi professionals?

Demand for Saudis in hotels, travel agencies, attractions and food service is rising, starting with front-of-house roles and moving to chefs and senior management. Roles in the 100% and 70% tables are the most open now. Our tourism and hospitality careers guide covers the skills, certifications and routes in.

What does it mean for expats in tourism?

Outside the four roles at 100%, the decision does not bar non-Saudis. It caps their share in each covered profession at what remains after the required Saudi percentage, for example up to three of ten tour guides at the 70% rate. Roles outside the 41 professions are not covered by this decision. Our expat guide explains how to check whether a profession is affected.