Saudi Arabia is investing hundreds of billions of dollars into infrastructure projects, including smart cities like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and the Riyadh Metro. These megaprojects require a diverse range of professionals—from architects and engineers to project managers and construction workers.
With the rapid pace of development, there is a growing need for skilled professionals across various roles such as civil engineers, safety officers, construction managers, electricians, welders, and surveyors.
Construction professionals in Saudi Arabia are offered attractive salary packages, often tax-free, along with benefits like housing allowances, transportation, health insurance, annual air tickets, and end-of-service bonuses.
Working in Saudi Arabia allows professionals to gain experience in world-class, large-scale construction projects. This exposure enhances career prospects and adds significant value to your resume.
The country is increasingly adopting advanced construction technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), green building practices, and modular construction, providing professionals with the chance to work with modern tools and methodologies.
Multinational construction companies and government-backed firms often invest in employee training and development. This facilitates long-term career advancement opportunities in the Middle East and globally.
Saudi Arabia hosts a vast expatriate workforce, making construction sites and offices culturally diverse. This enriches the professional experience and fosters a global work culture.
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia benefit from tax-free salaries, enabling them to save and invest more compared to working in many Western countries.
Saudi Arabia’s central location between Europe, Asia, and Africa offers professionals access to a broader network and opportunities across the GCC and beyond.
NEOM: A $500 billion smart city integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable design.
The Red Sea Project: A luxury tourism destination focused on ecological preservation and world-class infrastructure.
Qiddiya: A cultural, sports, and entertainment city being developed just outside Riyadh.
Diriyah Gate and Riyadh Metro: Massive urban development and transport infrastructure projects reshaping the capital.
Civil Engineers and Structural Designers
Project Managers and Construction Planners
BIM Specialists and CAD Technicians
Quantity Surveyors and Estimators
Architects and Urban Designers
Site Supervisors and Safety Officers
Skilled Trades (e.g., carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians)
Competitive Packages: International candidates can expect attractive compensation packages that often include housing, transport, healthcare, and tax-free salaries.
Diverse Work Environments: Work alongside multinational teams on groundbreaking projects that blend tradition with innovation.
Professional Growth: Saudi Arabia’s rapid development creates significant opportunities for career advancement, exposure to mega-projects, and access to the latest technologies.
Cultural Experience: Living and working in Saudi Arabia offers a unique cultural experience, combining modern amenities with deep-rooted traditions and values.
Relevant academic and professional credentials
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a related field
Proficiency in English (Arabic is a plus)
Willingness to relocate and adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Civil Engineers
Structural Engineers
Architects
MEP Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing)
Project Engineers
Design Engineers
Landscape Architects
Urban Planners
Project Managers
Construction Managers
Site Managers
Site Supervisors
Planning Engineers
Quantity Surveyors
Contract Managers
Electricians
Plumbers
HVAC Technicians
Welders
Carpenters
Masons
Steel Fixers
Scaffolders
Tile Setters
Heavy Equipment Operators (Crane, Bulldozer, Excavator)
Construction Laborers
Helpers (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil)
Cleaners
Material Handlers
Watchmen / Security Guards
HSE Officers
HSE Managers
Safety Inspectors
Environmental Engineers
Land Surveyors
Quantity Surveyors
QA/QC Engineers
Material Inspectors
Lab Technicians (Soil, Concrete, Asphalt)
Document Controllers
Procurement Officers
Site Administrators
Logistics Coordinators
Storekeepers
HR & Payroll Officers
Sustainable/Green Building Experts
BIM (Building Information Modeling) Specialists
Tunnel Engineers
Rail/Metro Project Engineers
Facade Engineers
Marine Construction Specialists
Riyadh (Capital city, major urban projects)
Jeddah (Urban and infrastructure development)
NEOM region (High-tech city project in the northwest)
The Red Sea Coast (Tourism and resort developments)
Eastern Province (Dammam, Khobar) (Oil, gas, and infrastructure)
Commercial and Residential Buildings
Infrastructure (roads, bridges, airports)
Industrial Facilities (plants, factories)
Oil & Gas Construction
Tourism & Hospitality Projects
Job Title |
Salary (SAR/month) |
USD/month |
INR/month |
---|---|---|---|
Project Manager |
25,000 |
6,670 |
550,000 |
Construction Manager |
22,000 |
5,870 |
484,000 |
Civil Engineer |
14,000 |
3,730 |
308,000 |
Site Engineer |
10,000 |
2,670 |
220,000 |
Structural Engineer |
13,000 |
3,470 |
286,000 |
Architect |
12,000 |
3,200 |
264,000 |
MEP Engineer |
13,000 |
3,470 |
286,000 |
Planning Engineer |
14,000 |
3,730 |
308,000 |
Quantity Surveyor |
11,000 |
2,930 |
242,000 |
QA/QC Engineer |
12,000 |
3,200 |
264,000 |
HSE Officer |
9,000 |
2,400 |
198,000 |
Site Supervisor |
8,000 |
2,130 |
176,000 |
Land Surveyor |
9,000 |
2,400 |
198,000 |
Electrician |
5,000 |
1,330 |
110,000 |
Plumber |
4,500 |
1,200 |
99,000 |
Mason |
4,000 |
1,070 |
88,000 |
Carpenter |
4,500 |
1,200 |
99,000 |
Heavy Equipment Operator |
6,000 |
1,600 |
132,000 |
Document Controller |
7,000 |
1,870 |
154,000 |
BIM Engineer / Specialist |
13,000 |
3,470 |
286,000 |
Criteria |
Details / Requirements |
---|---|
Work Visa / Iqama |
Sponsored by employer; required to legally live and work in Saudi Arabia |
Age Limit |
Generally 21–50 years (varies by role and country of origin) |
Educational Qualification |
Depends on job role: |
Professional Experience |
Usually 2–5 years minimum, more for senior roles |
Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) |
Mandatory registration for all engineering and technician roles before visa stamping |
Trade Certification |
Required for trades like electricians, welders, plumbers (from recognized institutions) |
Medical Test |
Mandatory; includes fitness check, infectious diseases, drug screening |
Background Check |
Police clearance certificate from home country required |
Language Skills |
English is often required for skilled roles |
Gulf Experience |
Preferred but not compulsory |
Employment Contract |
Must be signed before visa processing; includes salary, job role, benefits, etc. |
Passport Validity |
Must be valid for at least 6 months |
Visa Category |
Block visa or individual work visa depending on employer type and nationality |
Degree Attestation |
Required for engineers and higher positions: attested by HRD, MEA, and Saudi Embassy |
No Objection Certificate (NOC) |
Required for some returning workers or visa transfers |
Sponsorship (Kafala System) |
Worker must be sponsored by employer; employer handles residency permit (Iqama) |
Travel Insurance / Medical |
Usually provided by employer under Saudi labor law |
Job Title |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|
1. Project Manager |
Oversee entire project lifecycle, manage timelines, budgets, contractors, client communication, and safety compliance. |
2. Construction Manager |
Supervise on-site work, coordinate between subcontractors, ensure materials and resources are available. |
3. Civil Engineer |
Design, plan, and monitor civil works (foundation, structural elements, roads, etc.) and ensure compliance with codes. |
4. Site Engineer |
Supervise daily site activities, interpret drawings, ensure quality and safety, report progress. |
5. Structural Engineer |
Analyze, design, and inspect structural components; ensure buildings meet strength and safety requirements. |
6. Architect |
Develop design concepts, create architectural drawings, ensure compliance with local regulations and client vision. |
7. MEP Engineer |
Manage mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; oversee installation and commissioning. |
8. Planning Engineer |
Prepare project schedules (using Primavera/MS Project), monitor progress, update timelines and forecasts. |
9. Quantity Surveyor |
Estimate costs, manage budgets, prepare BOQs, handle contractual variations and billing. |
10. QA/QC Engineer |
Develop and implement quality control procedures, conduct inspections, prepare reports, and ensure work meets standards. |
11. HSE Officer |
Monitor safety protocols, conduct training, investigate incidents, ensure compliance with HSE laws and regulations. |
12. Land Surveyor |
Conduct land and topographic surveys, set site boundaries, ensure accurate site layout and leveling. |
13. Site Supervisor |
Oversee crew activities, assign tasks, ensure productivity and adherence to design/specs. |
14. Electrician |
Install, test, and repair wiring, lighting systems, and electrical components per safety codes. |
15. Plumber |
Install and maintain water supply, drainage, and piping systems on-site. |
16. Mason |
Build walls, partitions, and structures using bricks, concrete blocks, or stone. |
17. Carpenter |
Fabricate and install wood structures (formwork, doors, windows, furniture) on construction sites. |
18. Heavy Equipment Operator |
Operate construction machinery like cranes, excavators, bulldozers, and ensure safety checks. |
19. Document Controller |
Manage site and project documents (drawings, reports), maintain records, support engineering/admin staff. |
20. BIM Engineer |
Develop and manage digital 3D building models (Revit/AutoCAD), coordinate with design teams, clash detection, etc. |
Job Title |
Minimum Qualification |
Experience Required |
Certifications / Other Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
1. Project Manager |
Bachelor’s in Civil Eng. or related field |
8–15 years |
PMP preferred, SCE registration, degree attestation |
2. Construction Manager |
Bachelor’s/Diploma in Civil Eng. |
7–12 years |
SCE registration, Gulf experience preferred |
3. Civil Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering |
3–5 years |
SCE registration mandatory, attested degree |
4. Site Engineer |
B.Tech/Diploma in Civil or related field |
2–4 years |
SCE registration required |
5. Structural Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Structural/Civil Eng. |
4–6 years |
SCE registration, knowledge of design software (STAAD, etc.) |
6. Architect |
Bachelor’s in Architecture |
3–5 years |
Portfolio + SCE registration |
7. MEP Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Electrical Eng. |
3–6 years |
SCE registration, MEP software skills (AutoCAD MEP, etc.) |
8. Planning Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Civil or Project Management |
3–5 years |
Primavera/MS Project expertise, SCE registration |
9. Quantity Surveyor |
B.Sc in QS/Civil Eng. or Diploma |
2–5 years |
BOQ, cost estimation, billing experience |
10. QA/QC Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Eng. or Diploma |
3–5 years |
QA/QC certifications (ISO, etc.), SCE for engineers |
11. HSE Officer |
Diploma + NEBOSH/OSHA/IOSH |
2–4 years |
HSE Certification mandatory, safety audit experience |
12. Land Surveyor |
Diploma/ITI in Surveying |
3–5 years |
Total Station, AutoCAD skills |
13. Site Supervisor |
Diploma/ITI in Civil or Mechanical |
2–5 years |
Site handling experience, no formal license needed |
14. Electrician |
ITI/Trade Certificate |
2–3 years |
Electrical License/Certificate + practical knowledge |
15. Plumber |
ITI/Trade Certificate |
2–3 years |
Plumbing license or on-site test required |
16. Mason |
Basic Education + Trade skill |
2–3 years |
Practical experience, trade test in home country/Saudi |
17. Carpenter |
Basic Education + Carpentry skill |
2–3 years |
Trade test often conducted during hiring |
18. Heavy Equipment Operator |
Driving License + Training |
2–4 years |
Saudi-approved equipment license (e.g., crane, excavator) |
19. Document Controller |
Diploma or Bachelor’s |
1–3 years |
MS Office, documentation systems (Aconex, etc.) |
20. BIM Engineer |
B.Tech/Architecture + BIM certification |
3–5 years |
Revit, Navisworks, clash detection experience |
Job Category |
Common Job Roles |
Minimum Experience Required |
---|---|---|
1. Senior Management |
Project Manager, Construction Manager, Contracts Manager |
8–15 years |
2. Engineers (Professional) |
Civil, Structural, MEP, Planning, QA/QC Engineers |
3–7 years (5+ preferred for NEOM) |
3. Junior Engineers / Site Staff |
Site Engineer, Junior QS, Assistant Planning Engineer |
2–4 years |
4. Survey & QA/QC Roles |
Land Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor, QA/QC Inspector |
2–5 years |
5. Safety Roles |
HSE Officer, Safety Supervisor |
2–4 years + Safety Certification |
6. Skilled Tradesmen |
Electrician, Plumber, Welder, Mason, Carpenter, HVAC Tech |
2–3 years (Gulf experience preferred) |
7. Heavy Equipment Operators |
Crane Operator, Excavator, Forklift, Bulldozer Operator |
2–4 years + Saudi/GCC license |
8. BIM & Technical Specialists |
BIM Engineer, Revit Technician |
3–5 years + Software expertise |
9. General Supervisors |
Site Supervisor, Foreman |
2–5 years (Trade background preferred) |
10. General Labor / Helpers |
Helper, Laborer, Site Cleaner |
0–1 year (basic site exposure helpful) |
11. Administrative Roles |
Document Controller, Storekeeper, Procurement Assistant |
1–3 years |
Company Name |
Specialization / Projects |
Hiring Notes |
---|---|---|
Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) |
Mega infrastructure, airports, mosques, highways, buildings |
One of the largest employers of foreign workers |
Saudi Aramco |
Oil & gas infrastructure, refineries, pipelines, housing projects |
Prefers experienced/skilled workforce; high standards |
NESMA & Partners |
Civil, MEP, industrial plants, government infrastructure |
Hires engineers, trades, project staff internationally |
El Seif Engineering Contracting |
High-rise buildings, hospitals, commercial projects |
Focus on professional and technical staff |
Al Mabani General Contractors |
Airports, roads, bridges, government infrastructure |
Hires engineers, technicians, laborers |
Al Fouzan Trading & General Construction |
Government buildings, schools, commercial complexes |
Regular overseas hiring campaigns |
Dar Al Riyadh |
Engineering consultancy, project management, construction supervision |
Hires engineers, planners, designers |
Al Rajhi Construction |
Residential and commercial construction, precast factories |
Active in housing sector; hires skilled labor |
Saudi Oger Ltd (closed but relevant historically) |
Major builder in infrastructure and towers (historical context) |
No longer operational but influential in past hiring |
Al Ayuni Investment & Contracting |
Roads, bridges, metro, industrial construction |
Recruits operators, engineers, civil staff |
Shibh Al Jazira Contracting (SAJCO) |
Infrastructure, roads, water and sewage systems |
Hires engineers and general construction workforce |
Larsen & Toubro Saudi (L&T) |
Industrial plants, metro projects, power stations |
Indian-based company with strong Saudi presence |
SNC-Lavalin / Kentz |
Engineering services for oil & gas, infrastructure |
Hires globally for Aramco-related projects |
CCC (Consolidated Contractors Co.) |
Large-scale EPC projects across GCC |
Hires civil, MEP, safety, QA/QC roles |
China State Construction (CSCEC) |
NEOM and mega project contractor in Saudi Arabia |
Hires in large volumes for site work |
Samsung C&T (KSA Division) |
Metro, high-rise towers, industrial EPCs |
Korean firm with large operations in KSA |
Hyundai Engineering & Construction |
Oil & gas, power plants, marine, industrial construction |
Korean firm hiring international workers in KSA |
Bechtel Saudi Arabia |
Riyadh Metro, NEOM, Jubail Industrial City projects |
High-end technical and management jobs |
ACWA Power |
Renewable energy and power plant construction |
Engineering and site roles in energy-related projects |
Red Sea Global |
Developer of The Red Sea Project and AMAALA |
Hires international staff for tourism construction |
Job Title |
Avg. Salary (SAR / USD / INR) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Project Manager |
25,000 / 6,670 / 550,000 |
B.Tech Civil, 8–15 yrs exp, PMP/SCE required |
Aramco, Nesma, Bechtel, L&T Saudi |
Manage entire project lifecycle, client liaison, scheduling, budgeting, quality, safety |
Construction Manager |
22,000 / 5,870 / 484,000 |
Civil Eng. Degree, 7–12 yrs exp, SCE registration |
Binladin Group, El Seif, CSCEC |
Supervise construction sites, coordinate trades, ensure timely delivery |
Civil Engineer |
14,000 / 3,730 / 308,000 |
B.E. Civil, 3–5 yrs exp, SCE registered |
Al Rajhi, Al Ayuni, L&T |
Design and monitor civil works, site execution, quality control |
Site Engineer |
10,000 / 2,670 / 220,000 |
Diploma/B.Tech Civil, 2–4 yrs exp, basic site exposure |
Dar Al Riyadh, Saudi Oger |
Site supervision, drawing interpretation, reporting |
MEP Engineer |
13,000 / 3,470 / 286,000 |
B.E. Mech/Electrical, 3–6 yrs, MEP software, SCE |
Nesma, Samsung C&T, Hyundai E&C |
Install and manage HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems |
Structural Engineer |
13,000 / 3,470 / 286,000 |
B.E. Civil/Struct., 4–6 yrs, STAAD/ETABS, SCE |
El Seif, Bechtel |
Design & analyze load-bearing structures |
Architect |
12,000 / 3,200 / 264,000 |
B.Arch, 3–5 yrs exp, portfolio, SCE |
Dar Al Riyadh, Red Sea Global |
Design layouts, elevations, interiors; coordinate with engineers |
Planning Engineer |
14,000 / 3,730 / 308,000 |
B.E. + Primavera/MS Project, 3–5 yrs, SCE |
Bechtel, Nesma, Al Fouzan |
Create & manage project schedules, resource planning |
QA/QC Engineer |
12,000 / 3,200 / 264,000 |
B.Tech/Diploma, 3–5 yrs, ISO/QC certifications |
CCC, Aramco contractors |
Implement quality systems, inspect materials/workmanship |
HSE Officer |
9,000 / 2,400 / 198,000 |
Diploma + NEBOSH/OSHA, 2–4 yrs exp |
Hyundai, Nesma, L&T |
Monitor safety, conduct tool-box talks, incident reporting |
Quantity Surveyor |
11,000 / 2,930 / 242,000 |
Diploma/B.Tech Civil, 2–5 yrs, BOQ/cost estimation |
CCC, Binladin Group, El Seif |
Cost management, quantity take-offs, billing |
Land Surveyor |
9,000 / 2,400 / 198,000 |
ITI/Diploma, 2–5 yrs, Total Station, AutoCAD |
Al Ayuni, SAJCO |
Survey land/site layout, measure distances, set boundaries |
Site Supervisor |
8,000 / 2,130 / 176,000 |
ITI/Diploma, 2–5 yrs site handling |
Al Fouzan, Binladin, Red Sea Global |
Coordinate site activities, allocate labor, enforce discipline |
Electrician |
5,000 / 1,330 / 110,000 |
ITI + Trade Cert, 2–3 yrs, on-site testing |
Al Rajhi, Al Ayuni, Hyundai |
Install/repair electrical systems, wiring, safety compliance |
Plumber |
4,500 / 1,200 / 99,000 |
ITI + Trade Cert, 2–3 yrs |
Subcontractors under main EPCs |
Install/repair piping, drainage, sanitary fittings |
Mason |
4,000 / 1,070 / 88,000 |
Basic education, 2–3 yrs, trade test |
CSCEC, Hyundai, small contractors |
Lay bricks, build walls, plastering |
Carpenter |
4,500 / 1,200 / 99,000 |
Basic education, 2–3 yrs, formwork experience |
Binladin, sub-contracting firms |
Formwork, fixtures, furniture, wood frameworks |
Heavy Equipment Operator |
6,000 / 1,600 / 132,000 |
Valid GCC license, 2–4 yrs experience |
Al Ayuni, Aramco contractors |
Operate crane, bulldozer, excavator, etc., site loading/unloading |
Document Controller |
7,000 / 1,870 / 154,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor's, 1–3 yrs, MS Office, Aconex |
Dar Al Riyadh, CCC, Nesma |
Organize documents, maintain logs, support project engineers |
BIM Engineer |
13,000 / 3,470 / 286,000 |
B.Tech/Architecture, Revit/Navisworks, 3–5 yrs |
Bechtel, Dar Al Riyadh, Red Sea Global |
Manage 3D models, clash detection, digital planning |
Purpose: For foreign nationals recruited by Saudi employers for construction or building-related jobs.
Requirements:
Sponsorship by a Saudi company (employer must provide a job offer).
Valid passport.
Medical examination (to prove fitness).
Police clearance certificate (no criminal record).
Educational and professional certificates relevant to construction/building work.
Process:
Employer applies for a work permit from the Saudi Ministry of Labor.
After approval, the visa application is submitted at the Saudi consulate/embassy in the applicant’s home country.
Validity: Usually 1-2 years, renewable.
Notes: The visa holder is allowed to work only for the sponsoring company.
Similar to the regular work visa but for short-term construction projects.
Usually valid for the project duration.
Requires sponsorship by the company handling the project.
Sometimes foreign construction consultants or contractors enter Saudi Arabia on a business visit visa for meetings, inspections, or short-term consultancy.
Not valid for actual employment or manual labor.
Duration usually up to 90 days.
Saudi Arabia runs programs encouraging the hiring of skilled workers in construction.
Some large contractors assist in visa processing, medical tests, and clearance.
In some cases, visa issuance may be faster through approved recruitment agencies.