HRSD decisions come as part of its efforts to enhance the participation of national talent in the labor market
Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) announced the issuance of two decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions, as part of its efforts to enhance the participation of national talent in the labor market, increase localization in specialized roles, and create attractive and productive job opportunities for Saudi citizens across the Kingdom. 
Under the first decision, the Saudization rate in marketing professions in the private sector will be raised to 60% effective Jan. 19, 2026. The decision applies to establishments employing three or more employees in marketing roles, with a minimum wage set at SAR 5,500. The targeted professions include, marketing manager, advertising agent, advertising manager, graphic designer, advertising designer, public relations specialist, advertising specialist, marketing specialist, public relations manager, and photographer. Implementation will begin three months from the date of announcement, allowing establishments sufficient time to prepare and comply.
The second decision stipulates raising the Saudization rate to 60% in sales professions in the private sector, also effective Jan. 19, 2026. It applies to establishments employing three or more employees in sales roles. Targeted professions include, sales manager, retail sales representative, wholesale sales representative, sales representative, ICT sales specialist, sales specialist, commercial specialist, and commodity broker. This decision will likewise enter into force three months after its announcement to enable establishments to meet the required conditions and achieve the targeted Saudization rate.
The ministry explained that private sector establishments will benefit from a package of incentives provided by the human resources and social development ecosystem, including support for recruitment, training and qualification, employment, and job stability, as well as priority access to localization support programs and initiatives offered by the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf).
HRSD further noted that the decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions are based on analytical studies of labor market needs and are aligned with the number of job seekers in related fields, as well as current and future requirements of the marketing and sales sectors. The ministry added that implementing these decisions will enhance the attractiveness of the labor market, increase quality job opportunities, and strengthen job stability for national talent.
Meanwhile, the ministry published the procedural guide for both decisions on its website, detailing the targeted professions, mechanisms for calculating Saudization rates, and required compliance steps. It urged all covered establishments to adhere to the implementation to avoid regulatory penalties and to make use of the grace period to prepare and fulfill the requirements.
HRSD decisions come as part of its efforts to enhance the participation of national talent in the labor market
Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) announced the issuance of two decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions, as part of its efforts to enhance the participation of national talent in the labor market, increase localization in specialized roles, and create attractive and productive job opportunities for Saudi citizens across the Kingdom.
Under the first decision, the Saudization rate in marketing professions in the private sector will be raised to 60% effective Jan. 19, 2026. The decision applies to establishments employing three or more employees in marketing roles, with a minimum wage set at SAR 5,500. The targeted professions include, marketing manager, advertising agent, advertising manager, graphic designer, advertising designer, public relations specialist, advertising specialist, marketing specialist, public relations manager, and photographer. Implementation will begin three months from the date of announcement, allowing establishments sufficient time to prepare and comply.
The second decision stipulates raising the Saudization rate to 60% in sales professions in the private sector, also effective Jan. 19, 2026. It applies to establishments employing three or more employees in sales roles. Targeted professions include, sales manager, retail sales representative, wholesale sales representative, sales representative, ICT sales specialist, sales specialist, commercial specialist, and commodity broker. This decision will likewise enter into force three months after its announcement to enable establishments to meet the required conditions and achieve the targeted Saudization rate.
The ministry explained that private sector establishments will benefit from a package of incentives provided by the human resources and social development ecosystem, including support for recruitment, training and qualification, employment, and job stability, as well as priority access to localization support programs and initiatives offered by the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf).
HRSD further noted that the decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions are based on analytical studies of labor market needs and are aligned with the number of job seekers in related fields, as well as current and future requirements of the marketing and sales sectors. The ministry added that implementing these decisions will enhance the attractiveness of the labor market, increase quality job opportunities, and strengthen job stability for national talent.
Meanwhile, the ministry published the procedural guide for both decisions on its website, detailing the targeted professions, mechanisms for calculating Saudization rates, and required compliance steps. It urged all covered establishments to adhere to the implementation to avoid regulatory penalties and to make use of the grace period to prepare and fulfill the requirements.
