Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Saudisation law for 2026, expanding employment quotas and affecting key private-sector roles. Announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in January 2026, these measures raise Saudisation requirements to 60% in marketing and sales professions, with implementation scheduled three months after the announcement.
What Changed?
Private-sector companies with three or more employees must now ensure that at least 60% of their workforce in marketing and sales functions are Saudi nationals. This applies across a range of roles, from marketing managers and specialists to sales managers and retail representatives. The reforms are designed to strengthen national workforce participation, attract and retain qualified Saudi talent, and accelerate the transformation of the private sector’s labor structure.
Why This Matters for Employers
For international and regional companies, Saudisation is no longer just a regulatory formality, it is a strategic imperative. Non-compliance could result in restrictions on visas, work permits, and business licensing, and may impact eligibility for government contracts. Saudi nationals must now be a central part of workforce planning. Organisations need proactive strategies rather than reactive hiring to comply and succeed in the evolving Saudi market.
How Kinetic Can Help
Kinetic has a proven track record of supporting employers and Saudi talent. In 2025, over 50% of the candidates we placed were Saudi nationals, demonstrating our expertise in identifying and connecting local talent with the right opportunities.
We help organisations navigate Saudisation through:
▪️Strategic Workforce Planning: We analyse your current workforce and hiring pipelines to design Saudisation strategies that align with quota requirements and business goals.
▪️Targeted Talent Acquisition: Kinetic specialises in sourcing and placing Saudi professionals across marketing, sales, technical, and specialised roles, ensuring candidates are both qualified and culturally aligned.
▪️Employer Branding and Candidate Engagement: We support organisations in crafting compelling employer value propositions to attract top Saudi talent and improve acceptance rates.
▪️Learning and Career Pathways: We help employers develop retention strategies, mentorship programs, and upskilling initiatives to create long-term career opportunities for Saudi professionals.
▪️Policy Guidance and Compliance Support: Kinetic provides guidance on Saudisation regulations, wage thresholds, and accreditation requirements, helping organisations stay compliant while maximising local talent impact.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s new 2026 Saudisation law presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Organisations that embrace localisation as a strategic advantage will not only comply with regulations but also strengthen their connection with Saudi talent and improve their competitive position. Kinetic is uniquely positioned to help employers transform these regulatory changes into meaningful workforce outcomes, from recruitment to retention, ensuring long-term success in the Kingdom. Contact us to find out how we can support in hiring for your sales and marketing teams.