Saudi Arabia raises Saudization goals again, targets now as high as 80% in some sectors
TL;DR:
From July 27, 2025, Saudization rates rise across pharmacy (35–65%), dentistry (starts at 45%), and
technical engineering
(30%) sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Updated quotas apply to private-sector establishments with specified company sizes and minimum salary thresholds (SAR 7,000–9,000).
The reform is backed by incentives and procedural guidance issued by the
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
(
MHRSD
) to meet
Vision 2030
goals.
As part of its Vision 2030 employment initiative, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has raised Saudization targets in healthcare and technical engineering sectors.
The updated quotas took effect on July 27, 2025, covering professions such as pharmacy, dentistry, technical engineering, and accounting impacting 269 roles across entities nationwide.
Sectoral breakdown of new Saudization rates
1. Pharmacy
35% for community pharmacies and medical centres
65% for hospital pharmacy operations
55% for other pharmacy-related roles
Mandates apply to establishments with five or more pharmacy staff, requiring a minimum monthly salary of SAR 7,000 per Saudi employee as per Saudi Gazette.
2. Dentistry
45% Saudization from July 27, rising to 55% in mid-2026
Applies to facilities with three or more dentists, with an entry threshold salary of SAR 9,000 per month for quota counting.
3. Technical Engineering
30% Saudization required in establishments with five or more technical engineers, effective July 27, 2025
Minimum salary requirement: SAR 5,000 per month.
Healthcare professions (Earlier phase)
As of April 17, 2025, Saudization rates for four health professions were enforced:
Radiology: 65%
Medical lab: 70%
Therapeutic nutrition: 80%
Physiotherapy: 80%
These apply initially in major cities, expanding nationwide by October 17.
Minimum wages: SAR 7,000 for specialists, SAR 5,000 for technicians.
Implementation mechanisms & support
MHRSD has released procedural guides and compliance instructions on its official website to clarify employer obligations, quota calculations, and penalties.
Independent supervisory agencies oversee sector compliance:
Ministry of Health for pharmacy & dentistry
Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing for engineering roles.
Eligible companies can utilize Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) programs for recruitment, training, and retention of Saudi talent.
Why this matters
Accelerates Saudi employment
: Focuses localization on strategic, skilled roles that historically relied on foreign workers.
Supports Vision 2030 goals
: Saudization policies are key to reducing unemployment, increasing national workforce participation and diversifying the economy.
Incentivises compliance
: Penalties for non-adherence are balanced by support programs to ease transition.
Saudi Arabia's updated Saudization targets signify a decisive step toward greater national workforce engagement in high-value sectors. With quotas now enforced in pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, and healthcare, employers must restructure recruitment practices quickly and strategically. Backed by Vision 2030 and supported by HRSD through practical guidance and financial incentives, these measures are poised to reshape private-sector employment while maintaining regulatory compliance and market competitiveness.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Taylor Swift Goes Natural, Here's How She Really Looks
The Noodle Box
Undo
FAQ
1. When do these changes take effect?
Pharmacy, dentistry, and engineering quotas begin July 27, 2025, with dental quotas rising further in 2026. Healthcare professions launched earlier on April 17, 2025,expanding nationwide by October.
2. Which sectors are impacted?
269 roles across pharmacy, dentistry, medical laboratories, physiotherapy, therapeutic nutrition, accounting, and technical engineering.
3. What penalties exist for non-compliance?
Firms can face Fines and non-renewal of licenses, enforced by HRSD and partner ministries.
4. Are there salary thresholds for inclusion?
Yes, roles must meet minimum monthly salary levels (SAR 7,000–9,000) to count toward Saudization quotas.
5. How does this tie into national strategy?
Saudization is central to Vision 2030, aimed at reducing unemployment (now at ~7.1%, below original 8% target) and expanding Saudi private-sector participation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Saudi Chemical Giant Sabic Posts Third Straight Quarterly Loss
(Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia's biggest chemical company posted a third consecutive quarterly loss, missing analyst estimates for a profit, amid a prolonged industry downturn. Saudi Basic Industries Corp. reported a net loss of about 4.1 billion riyals ($1.1 billion), compared with a loss of 1.2 billion riyals in the prior period, according to a statement on Sunday. Analysts had been expecting a profit of 1.1 billion. The company attributed losses to impairment charges related to asset closures at its Teesside facility in the United Kingdom and on its investment in Clariant. It also cited an increase in financing costs. Market sentiment has remained uncertain, weighed down by ongoing global economic uncertainty and continued geopolitical tensions, Sabic said. Sabic earlier this year announced a plan to restructure the company to cut costs, as softer demand has hit earnings and shrunk margins of major chemical companies around the world. Firms have been selling assets and shuttering projects in response to the challenges. Dow Inc. reported its first quarterly loss in five years last month and said it would close three plants in Europe. LyondellBasell missed on second-quarter earnings and delayed construction on a project in Texas, while saying it remains 'cautiously optimistic' on developments to address execess capacity in Europe and revitalize the industry in Europe. Its shares fell 8% on Friday after the results. BASF SE is also selling a unit to focus on its core business while Shell Plc said recently that its chemicals business has been suffering for a while. Analysts expect Sabic to face ongoing margin pressure and weak pricing due to persistent oversupply in key petrochemical products, though its diversified portfolio and fixed-feedstock cost structure are seen as supporting margins. Sabic is considering a public listing of its industrial gases unit as part of a broader operational review. The chemical giant's shares have declined about 20% this year. The broader Saudi index has dropped by about half of that amount over the same time period. Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil exporter, owns a majority of Sabic and is due to report earnings on Aug. 5. More stories like this are available on
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed takes first passenger ride on Etihad Rail between Dubai and Fujairah
Etihad Rail is a 1,200km national railway project that began in 2016 and is being developed in phases at a cost of Dh40 billion/ Image: X In a significant step toward reshaping the UAE's transportation landscape, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, travelled aboard a passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah. This symbolic journey marks a critical phase in the Etihad Rail project, one of the most ambitious rail networks in the world, laying the groundwork for full passenger operations by 2026. Sheikh Mohammed's journey and the national vision His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared photos on X of his journey aboard the Etihad Rail passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah, calling it a memorable ride. He was welcomed by a delegation from Etihad Rail led by Chief Business Support Officer Saeed AlAhbabi, along with several senior company executives. During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the project's progress and key construction milestones. Speaking about Etihad Rail, he said: 'Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE's journey to the future. It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This new air conditioner cools down a room in just seconds News of the Discovery Undo He described it as one of the country's most significant infrastructure projects, with far-reaching economic, social, and developmental benefits that enhance connectivity and support national goals. He noted that the project reflects the spirit of the Union and contributes to sustainability, integration, and quality of life across all emirates. The passenger service is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026. Project Scope and Network Overview Etihad Rail is a 1,200km-long national railway infrastructure project designed to connect key regions across the UAE and extend outward to neighbouring countries. With an investment of AED 40 billion (approximately $11 billion), the network will transport both freight and passengers, linking the Gulf coast with the Indian Ocean. The network will ultimately span the country from Ghuweifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah on the eastern coast. The western section connects to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat, while the eastern extension links Oman through Al Ain. It traverses vital strategic locations including: Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Fujairah Al Ain Ruwais Al Mirfa Al Dhaid Ghuweifat Sohar (Oman, via the Hafeet Rail project) The railway system is being built in two phases: Phase One , inaugurated in 2016, is freight-focused and currently facilitates the transport of granulated sulphur from Al Dhafra to Ruwais. Phase Two , initiated in 2020, expands the network for passenger travel and extends freight connectivity, including a key line between the Khalifa Port freight terminal and Abu Dhabi. The network connects industrial hubs, raw material sources, ports, and major urban centres. Key nodes include Khalifa Port, KIZAD, Jebel Ali Port, and various inland cities, facilitating an integrated logistics and transport framework for the UAE and beyond. Passenger eail, A new era of mobility Scheduled to launch commercial operations in 2026, the Etihad Rail passenger service represents a major leap forward in public transportation. It will provide a fast, reliable, and sustainable alternative to road and air travel, with trains expected to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/hr. The passenger rail will stretch approximately 900km, connecting 11 key cities and regions across all seven emirates, including: Al Sila Ghuweifat Ruwais Al Mirfa Abu Dhabi Al Dhaid Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Fujairah Al Ain Trains will initially operate through four major stations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Each train will be capable of accommodating up to 400 passengers, with annual ridership expected to reach 36.5 million by 2030. The design emphasizes passenger comfort and efficiency, promising reduced travel times and improved access across the country. As part of the UAE's broader goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the rail system is built with sustainability at its core, offering a green alternative to road transport and helping to reduce the nation's carbon footprint. The passenger service is also expected to improve daily mobility, boost tourism and regional development, strengthen social ties across emirates, and support the UAE's broader logistics strategy. Leadership commitment and strategic significance His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, highlighted the importance of Sheikh Mohammed's involvement, noting: 'We had the honour of hosting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aboard a passenger train journey between the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah. This exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the UAE's visionary leadership to support national projects that propel the progress of our nation.' He emphasized Sheikh Mohammed's integral role in the project's evolution, from its inclusion in the 'Projects of the 50' initiative in 2021 to the recent inauguration of the national freight network in 2023: 'Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in the UAE's transportation landscape and take immense pride in and deeply appreciate the support we have received for this national project,' he said, emphasizing the project's role in strengthening connectivity and boosting the nation's economic integration. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's visit to the Etihad Rail passenger train highlights his direct involvement in key infrastructure projects that connect the entire country and support the UAE's development plans. Last week, he made an unannounced visit to a Dubai Tram station, riding the tram and engaging directly with commuters to assess public transport services firsthand. This follows a similar visit in 2023, when he quietly rode the Dubai Metro. Together, These visits exemplify his hands-on approach to leadership and governance, reflecting a familiar and consistent commitment to staying connected with developments on the ground.
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
New labour laws in Saudi Arabia are big news for migrant workers as..., especially good for Indians due to...
New Delhi: The Saudi Arabian government has come up with new labour laws for workers. In this, workers have been given two months to resign, change jobs or leave the country. It has been reported on Saudi Arabia's Qiva platform that a grace period of 60 days has been made mandatory before declaring an employee 'absent from work' after the contract ends. This change in rules will directly affect foreign workers. Indians will be especially affected in this because a large part of the foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are Indian workers. In such a situation, it is important for Indians to know these rules. What do the new rules say? The Qiva platform of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia now gives 60 days' grace before declaring an employee absent from work. This means that employers can no longer mark employees absent from work immediately after the contract expires. They will have to wait at least 60 days, provided the employee's residence permit remains valid. During this period, disconnected employees can re-contract with their current employer, move to a new employer or leave Saudi Arabia. Failure to take action within 60 days will automatically remove their name from the employer's records. From which date have the new rules been implemented? The Qiva labour platform has made these significant changes to employment-contract rules from July 31, 2025, the Saudi Gazette reported. It said the new rule gives employees time to legalise their status and employers time for due process. This helps stabilise changes in the labour market and reduces the risk of a sudden loss of legal residency. An employer can report an employee as absent only if the employee has no active contract and the iqama is valid for at least 60 days. During this time, a disconnected employee will have the option to re-contract with the same employer, move to another job through Qiva, or leave Saudi Arabia within a 60-day window. If no action is taken within this period, i.e. 60 days, the employee will be considered absent and removed from the employer's records. Information about this will be given to the Ministry of Human Resources and Home Affairs. Even after this, employees can access salary and service certificates to verify their previous or current roles.
