Saudi Arabia is moving forward with a plan to increase Saudization within the sports and fitness sector, with new regulations requiring the localization of 12 job roles in sports centers and gyms. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, announced the initiative will take effect on November 18, 2026. This move aims to create more employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and enhance the professionalism of the Kingdom’s growing fitness industry.
The new regulations will apply to private sector establishments with four or more employees, mandating a 15 percent Saudization rate for the specified positions. The announcement, made earlier this week, signals a continued push by the Saudi government to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on foreign workers, particularly as Vision 2030 progresses. The initiative builds on existing efforts to nationalize various sectors of the Saudi workforce.
Expanding Saudization to the Sports Sector
The decision to focus on sports centers and gyms reflects the increasing popularity of fitness and wellness activities within Saudi Arabia. According to recent reports, participation in sports and recreational activities has risen significantly in recent years, driving demand for qualified professionals. The MHRSD identified 12 specific roles for localization, including sports coaches, professional football coaches, sports supervisors, personal trainers, and professional athletics coaches.
Targeted Job Roles
The 12 positions subject to the new regulations cover a broad range of expertise within the sports and fitness industry. These roles are considered crucial for delivering high-quality services and fostering a professional environment in sports facilities. The ministry’s procedural guide, available on its website, provides a comprehensive list of the targeted professions.
The move is part of a broader trend of labor market reform in Saudi Arabia. Previously, Saudization efforts have focused on sectors like retail and finance. Expanding these requirements to the sports sector demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities across diverse industries.
However, some industry observers suggest that finding qualified Saudi nationals to fill these specialized roles may present a challenge. The MHRSD acknowledges this potential hurdle and is proactively offering support programs to assist businesses in recruiting, training, and retaining Saudi employees. These programs include financial assistance through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF).
Support for Businesses
The MHRSD is providing a range of resources to help private sector establishments comply with the new regulations. These include support for recruitment processes, funding for training and qualification programs, and assistance with job retention strategies. Priority access to localization support programs and HADAF funding will be granted to companies actively working to meet the 15 percent Saudization target.
Additionally, the ministry has published a detailed procedural guide outlining the specifics of the decision, including the localization percentage and the targeted professions. This guide is intended to provide clarity and ensure a smooth transition for businesses. The MHRSD emphasized the importance of adherence to the new provisions to avoid potential legal penalties for non-compliance.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sports will play a key role in overseeing the implementation of the decision, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of the Saudi labor market. This collaborative approach between the MHRSD and the Ministry of Sports is intended to maximize the effectiveness of the initiative.
The implementation of this Saudization policy is expected to have a ripple effect on the broader Saudi economy. Increased employment of Saudi nationals will contribute to higher household incomes and stimulate domestic demand. Furthermore, a more skilled and localized workforce could attract further investment in the sports and fitness sector.
In contrast to previous Saudization initiatives, this regulation includes a specific implementation date well in advance – November 18, 2026 – allowing businesses ample time to prepare. This extended timeframe is likely intended to mitigate potential disruptions and facilitate a more orderly transition. The ministry has not yet indicated whether the 15 percent target will be adjusted in the future.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on monitoring the implementation of the new regulations and assessing their impact on the sports and fitness industry. The MHRSD will likely track key metrics such as the number of Saudi nationals employed in targeted roles, the effectiveness of support programs, and the overall quality of sports services. Further adjustments to the policy may be considered based on these findings, and the success of this initiative will be a key indicator of the broader Vision 2030 goals.
