Navigating the Saudi Job Market: What Expats Need to Know
After 18 years as an expat, including the last 4 in Saudi Arabia, I can confidently say it’s been an incredible journey. The Middle East has consistently offered exceptional career opportunities, and right now, Saudi Arabia is at the heart of the action.
With major transformation underway and attention-grabbing “GIGA” projects in full swing, the Kingdom has become a magnet for global professionals seeking both career-defining experience and tax-free salaries. But with this surge in interest comes competition, and the hiring process in Saudi can be very different from what many are used to.
The Saudi Job Market: What Makes It Unique
Unlike more established expat hubs like the UAE or Qatar, Saudi Arabia’s international hiring landscape is still developing. In many ways, the construction and infrastructure sector feels like a start-up environment, where processes are still being defined, and recruitment teams are often stretched.
As a result, hiring timelines tend to be longer. It’s not uncommon for the process to take 2–3 times longer than in Europe or Australia. I often tell candidates: “Once you have a formal offer, you’re only about two-thirds of the way there.” The next phase, visa processing, documentation, and mobilisation, can take several more weeks.
Applying for Jobs: Know the Landscape
While applying directly to job postings can work, it’s important to understand the challenges:
High competition: It’s not unusual for roles advertised online in Saudi to receive 1,000+ applications.
CV visibility: With that volume, even highly qualified applicants can be missed.
Saudisation: Saudi labour law requires companies to maintain a 20–40% local workforce. Some roles may be legally reserved for Saudi nationals, even if this isn't clear from the job posting.
Because of this, many companies prefer to partner with recruitment agencies rather than advertising openly. This helps avoid overwhelming internal HR teams and allows them to target candidates for niche roles more effectively.
Tip: Direct applications are still worth trying, but be strategic. Complement them with agency representation where possible, especially for senior or specialist roles.
A Word on CV Duplications
If you send your CV to too many companies or apply for the same job through multiple channels, it can actually harm your chances. Employers may question why your CV is circulating so widely, or worry that you're not a serious candidate.
If you’re working with a recruiter:
Be transparent about where your CV has already been sent.
This allows the agent to focus their efforts elsewhere, and ensures your profile isn't submitted multiple times, which can look unprofessional.
Job Descriptions & Working with Recruiters
In Saudi Arabia, it's common for recruiters not to receive detailed job descriptions. However, a good agency should:
Have a briefing call or in-person meeting with the client.
Be able to tell you about the role, team, company culture, and office environment.
You should expect your recruiter to go beyond the job title, providing insight into the project, company vibe, leadership style, and overall fit.
What to Expect: Timelines & Patience
Let’s talk timelines. From the day you submit your CV to your first day on-site in Saudi, expect the process to take 4–6 months on average. Here’s a general breakdown:
Initial application and interviews – 2–4 weeks
Offer and negotiations – 1–2 weeks
Reference checks and visa documentation – 4–8 weeks
Visa approval and mobilisation – 4–6 weeks
While some processes can move faster, especially for urgent roles, planning ahead is crucial. If you’re thinking of relocating, make sure your personal, financial, and family plans align with this extended timeline.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia is an exciting and rewarding place to work, offering unmatched opportunities in key industries like construction, infrastructure, and tech. But the job search and onboarding process requires patience, planning, and professionalism.
By understanding the unique aspects of the Saudi market, and working with the right partners, you can set yourself up for a smooth transition and a successful career move.
