Saudi Arabia raises Saudization to 35% for 94 engineering roles from May 2027

Saudi Arabia will require private sector establishments employing five or more workers in 94 technical engineering professions to meet a Saudization rate of 35 percent from May 9, 2027. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the requirement on November 8, 2026, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.

Covered professions and calculation method#

The 94 professions include civil engineering technician, electrical engineering technician, mechanical engineering technician, electronic engineering technician, surveying technician, mechanical maintenance technician, architectural draftsman, and other engineering and technical occupations as classified under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations. The 35 percent rate is calculated at the establishment level according to the provisions of the procedural guide. Establishments employing fewer than five workers in the targeted professions are not subject to the requirement. The ministry previously enforced a 30 percent Saudization requirement for the same professions from July 27, 2025.

Compliance obligations and effective date#

Establishments falling within the scope must meet the 35 percent threshold by May 9, 2027. The rate applies to the total number of workers employed in the 94 designated professions at each establishment. The procedural guide, available on the ministry's website, details the professions covered, implementation mechanisms, methods for calculating Saudization rates, and compliance requirements. Establishments must calculate their compliance at the establishment level, not at the enterprise or group level.

Support programmes and recruitment assistance#

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development provides recruitment, training, qualification, employment, and job stability assistance to private sector establishments implementing the requirement. Establishments subject to the decision receive priority access to the ministry's available Saudization support programs. The procedural guide outlines how employers can access these programs and the eligibility criteria for each form of assistance.

Instrument details and verification#

The announcement was published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on November 8, 2026, with an effective date of May 9, 2027. The procedural guide is accessible on the ministry's website and sets out the full scope of obligations, calculation methods, and compliance procedures. Establishments should verify their current Saudization rate for the 94 professions and identify any gap to the 35 percent threshold before the May 2027 deadline.