Saudi Arabia: Increased Saudization Requirements for Certain Professions in the Private Sector

Executive summary

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced increased Saudization requirements for certain roles in the accounting, dentistry, engineering and pharmacy sectors.

Analysis

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced increased Saudization requirements for 269 types of roles in the accounting, dentistry, engineering and pharmacy sectors.

The below table illustrates affected professions, new Saudization rates and effective target dates:

Professions

Total Saudization rate

Details

Effective Date

Accounting

40%

Applicable to companies with five or more accountants.

October 27, 2025

50%

October 27, 2026

60%

October 27, 2027

70%

October 27, 2028

30%

Applicable to companies with three or four accountants

October 27, 2029

Dentistry

45%

Applicable to private-sector businesses employing three or more dental workers.

The minimum monthly salary is SAR 9,000 (up from SAR 7,000).

July 27, 2025

55%

January 27, 2026

Engineering

30%

Applicable to private-sector businesses employing five or more accredited engineers.

July 27, 2025

Pharmacy

35%

Applicable in community pharmacies and medical complexes.

July 27, 2025

65%