RIYADH. In a bold move to accelerate employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced sweeping new Saudization measures targeting 269 professions across the medical, accounting, and engineering sectors. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing, is set to reshape the Kingdom’s labor market and drive forward the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The new regulations, which will be rolled out in phases starting this year, aim to significantly increase the participation of Saudi citizens in high-skilled professions, ensuring they play a central role in the Kingdom’s economic transformation.
Pharmacy Professions
Beginning July 23, 2025, Saudization rates for pharmacy professions will see a substantial boost. Community pharmacies and medical centers will be required to achieve a 35% Saudization rate, while hospital pharmacies must reach 65%. Other pharmacy-related activities will need to meet a 55% Saudization rate. These new rates will apply to establishments with five or more employees in pharmacy-related roles, ensuring that Saudi professionals take on a larger share of the healthcare workforce.
Dentistry Professions
The Saudization of dentistry professions will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, effective July 23, 2025, will require a 45% Saudization rate. The second phase, which begins 12 months after the first, will increase the rate to 55%. These changes apply to establishments with three or more workers in dentistry roles. Additionally, the minimum monthly salary for dentists to qualify toward Saudization has been raised to 9,000 SAR, ensuring fair compensation for Saudi professionals.
Accounting Professions
For accounting professions, the Saudization rate will increase gradually over five phases, starting October 22, 2025. The first phase will require a 40% Saudization rate for establishments with five or more accountants. Over the next five years, this rate will steadily rise, eventually reaching 70%. This phased approach allows businesses to adapt while ensuring steady progress toward national employment goals.
Engineering Professions
In the engineering sector, the Saudization rate for technical roles will rise to 30% of the total workforce in targeted positions. This change, effective July 23, 2025, applies to private sector establishments with five or more employees in engineering roles. The move is expected to pave the way for Saudi engineers to take on greater responsibilities in the Kingdom’s infrastructure and development projects, further strengthening the local talent pipeline.
Supporting Employers and Ensuring Compliance
To help businesses navigate the new regulations, the MHRSD has published detailed procedural guides on its website. These guides provide clarity on calculating Saudization rates and outline penalties for non-compliance, ensuring a smooth transition for employers. The ministry’s proactive approach aims to balance the needs of businesses with the national goal of increasing employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
These decisions are a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030’s efforts to empower Saudi nationals and enhance their participation in the labor market. By prioritizing local talent in critical sectors, the Kingdom is not only creating job opportunities but also fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving long-term economic growth.
What’s Next?
As the Kingdom moves closer to the implementation dates, businesses across the targeted sectors are encouraged to prepare for the changes. With clear guidelines and a phased approach, the new Saudization measures aim to strike a balance between economic growth and national employment priorities.
For Saudi professionals, this marks an exciting opportunity to take center stage in the Kingdom’s development journey. For the nation, it’s another step toward realizing the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, ensuring that Saudi citizens are at the heart of the country’s transformation.