• Saudi Arabia raises Saudization to 60% in private sector marketing and sales roles, effective January 19, 2026.
• The policy applies to establishments with three or more employees, giving companies three months to meet Saudization requirements.
• The private sector will benefit from incentives, including recruitment support, training, HRDF programs, and policies promoting job stability for nationals.

Saudization

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the issuance of two decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions. 

The first decision raises the Saudization rate to 60% in marketing professions in the private sector, effective from 19/01/2026. It applies to establishments with three or more employees in marketing roles, with a minimum wage set at 5,500 SAR. The decision will be implemented three months after the announcement date to allow establishments sufficient time to prepare and comply.

The targeted professions include:  Marketing Manager, Advertising Agent, Advertising Manager, Graphic Designer, Ad Designer, and Public Relations Specialist. It also includes Advertising Specialist, Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Manager, and Photographer. 

The second decision raises the Saudization rate to 60% in sales professions in the private sector, effective from 19/01/2026. It applies to establishments with three or more employees in sales roles. The targeted professions include: Sales Manager, Retail Sales Representative, Wholesale Sales Representative, Sales Representative, and IT & Telecom Sales Specialist. It also includes Sales Specialist, Commercial Specialist, and Commodity Broker. This decision will also take effect three months after the announcement date, allowing establishments time to  complete the requirements.

Incentives

The Ministry explained that private sector establishments will benefit from a package of incentives. This includes support for recruitment, training, qualification, employment, and job stability. They will also have priority access to Saudization support programs and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).

The Ministry notes that the decisions are based on analytical studies of labor market needs. It is also aligned with the number of job seekers in related specialties and the current and future requirements of the sales and marketing sectors. Additionally, it states these decisions will enhance the attractiveness of the labor market, contribute to increasing quality job opportunities, and promote job stability for Saudi nationals.