Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in developing its creative economy as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. This national plan aims to diversify the economy beyond oil by promoting arts, culture, design, and entertainment. This means more job opportunities, funding, and projects in creative fields.
The Saudi government supports creative professionals through initiatives like the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, and entities such as the General Entertainment Authority. There are new art galleries, design hubs, cultural festivals, and innovation centers opening up across the country.
Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of rich traditional heritage with a rapidly modernizing society. This cultural fusion provides fertile ground for artists and designers to explore fresh concepts, blending traditional motifs with contemporary styles.
With urban development projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project, there is a high demand for creative talent in branding, architecture, visual design, digital media, and entertainment sectors. Creative professionals are key to shaping the visual and cultural identity of these groundbreaking projects.
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional hub for art and design. Working here means exposure to international collaborations, global markets, and networking opportunities with other creative professionals from the Middle East and beyond.
Cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are becoming cultural hotspots with growing art scenes, modern amenities, and a better quality of life. Additionally, the government is relaxing regulations and offering incentives to attract foreign talent.
Graphic Design: Branding, advertising, digital media, and print design are in demand as companies and startups seek creative branding solutions.
Animation & Multimedia: With growing entertainment industries, animation, video production, and multimedia design roles are expanding.
Fashion & Textile Design: Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance includes traditional and contemporary fashion, offering prospects in design and marketing.
Architecture & Interior Design: Large-scale projects, including urban development and luxury hospitality, require skilled designers.
Fine Arts & Illustration: Galleries, exhibitions, and public art installations are increasing, welcoming international artists and illustrators.
UX/UI Design: The digital economy boost demands user-centered design for apps, websites, and platforms.
Competitive Salary & Benefits: Attractive packages with allowances for housing, transport, and health insurance.
Cultural Exposure: Experience a unique blend of traditional and modern Arabian culture.
Growing Industry: Rapid expansion means more job openings and creative freedom.
Networking: Access to regional creative hubs and international collaborations.
Supportive Environment: Government initiatives like the Saudi Arts Council and creative zones foster innovation.
Graphic Designer
Art Director
Animator / Motion Graphics Artist
Fashion Designer
Interior Designer
UX/UI Designer
Illustrator
Creative Director
Creating visual content for digital and print media
Designing logos, branding, advertising materials, social media graphics
Designing user interfaces and improving user experience for websites, apps, and software
Focus on usability and aesthetic appeal
Designing interior spaces for homes, offices, hotels, and public spaces
Involved in space planning, furniture selection, and decor
Designing clothing, accessories, and footwear
Increasingly relevant with Saudi Arabia’s growing fashion industry and initiatives like the Saudi Fashion Week
Creating illustrations for books, magazines, advertisements, games, and digital platforms
Using traditional or digital tools
Creating animations for advertising, entertainment, video games, and film
Working in 2D or 3D animation, motion graphics for videos and commercials
Professional photography for events, advertising, fashion, and media
Videography for commercials, corporate videos, and social media content
Designing buildings and urban spaces
Important in Saudi Arabia’s large-scale development projects and smart city initiatives like NEOM
Leading creative teams in advertising agencies, media companies, and design studios
Overseeing visual styles and concepts
Creating visual and video content for social media platforms
Designing posts, stories, and campaigns tailored to the Saudi market
Designing consumer products and industrial goods
Includes packaging design as well
Working with Arabic calligraphy and traditional art forms
Often involved in cultural projects and luxury branding
Designing storylines, characters, and gameplay for video games
An emerging field as Saudi Arabia invests in gaming and esports
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (SAR/year) |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Avg. Salary (INR/year) |
---|---|---|---|
1. Graphic Designer |
60,000 - 90,000 |
16,200 - 24,300 |
1,320,000 - 1,980,000 |
2. UI/UX Designer |
90,000 - 140,000 |
24,300 - 37,800 |
1,980,000 - 3,080,000 |
3. Interior Designer |
70,000 - 120,000 |
18,900 - 32,400 |
1,540,000 - 2,640,000 |
4. Fashion Designer |
60,000 - 110,000 |
16,200 - 29,700 |
1,320,000 - 2,420,000 |
5. Illustrator |
55,000 - 85,000 |
14,850 - 22,950 |
1,210,000 - 1,870,000 |
6. Animator |
65,000 - 110,000 |
17,550 - 29,700 |
1,430,000 - 2,420,000 |
7. Photographer |
50,000 - 90,000 |
13,500 - 24,300 |
1,100,000 - 1,980,000 |
8. Videographer |
60,000 - 100,000 |
16,200 - 27,000 |
1,320,000 - 2,200,000 |
9. Architect |
100,000 - 180,000 |
27,000 - 48,600 |
2,200,000 - 3,960,000 |
10. Art Director |
120,000 - 200,000 |
32,400 - 54,000 |
2,640,000 - 4,400,000 |
11. Content Creator |
50,000 - 90,000 |
13,500 - 24,300 |
1,100,000 - 1,980,000 |
12. Social Media Designer |
55,000 - 90,000 |
14,850 - 24,300 |
1,210,000 - 1,980,000 |
13. Product Designer |
80,000 - 130,000 |
21,600 - 35,100 |
1,760,000 - 2,860,000 |
14. Calligrapher |
40,000 - 70,000 |
10,800 - 18,900 |
880,000 - 1,540,000 |
15. Game Designer |
90,000 - 150,000 |
24,300 - 40,500 |
1,980,000 - 3,300,000 |
16. Motion Graphic Designer |
70,000 - 120,000 |
18,900 - 32,400 |
1,540,000 - 2,640,000 |
17. Brand Designer |
85,000 - 140,000 |
22,950 - 37,800 |
1,870,000 - 3,080,000 |
18. Creative Director |
150,000 - 250,000 |
40,500 - 67,500 |
3,300,000 - 5,500,000 |
19. Advertising Designer |
60,000 - 100,000 |
16,200 - 27,000 |
1,320,000 - 2,200,000 |
20. Exhibition Designer |
65,000 - 110,000 |
17,550 - 29,700 |
1,430,000 - 2,420,000 |
You must have a valid work visa (Iqama) sponsored by a Saudi employer.
Sponsorship by a licensed Saudi company or organization is mandatory.
Employers usually handle the visa and work permit process.
Typically, a Bachelor’s degree or diploma in relevant fields like:
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Fashion Design
Animation
Architecture
Multimedia or related disciplines
Some roles may accept candidates with strong portfolios and relevant work experience even without formal degrees.
Most employers prefer candidates with 2-5 years of experience in creative roles.
Senior or specialized roles (e.g., Art Director, Creative Director) often require 5+ years of experience.
A strong portfolio showcasing your work is crucial—this often weighs more than degrees.
Proficiency in industry-standard software/tools such as:
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects)
Sketch, Figma, or other UI/UX tools
3D modeling or animation software (Maya, Blender, AutoCAD for architects)
Knowledge of current design trends and Saudi market preferences can be a plus.
English is commonly used in many companies, especially in multinational firms.
Arabic language skills are a strong advantage, especially for roles involving local branding, advertising, or cultural projects.
Understanding and respecting Saudi cultural norms and workplace etiquette is important.
Creativity aligned with local traditions and values is often preferred.
Applicants must comply with Saudi labor regulations, including medical examinations and background checks.
Some creative jobs may require approvals from professional bodies or the Ministry of Labor.
Key employers include advertising agencies, media houses, architectural firms, fashion houses, government cultural bodies, entertainment companies, and digital startups.
Public sector initiatives under Vision 2030 have increased demand for creative professionals.
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|
1. Graphic Designer |
Create visual concepts for print/digital media, branding, ads |
2. UI/UX Designer |
Design user-friendly interfaces, improve user experience |
3. Interior Designer |
Plan and design indoor spaces, select materials and furnishings |
4. Fashion Designer |
Design apparel and accessories, create fashion collections |
5. Illustrator |
Produce illustrations for books, ads, digital media |
6. Animator |
Create 2D/3D animations for films, ads, games |
7. Photographer |
Capture and edit photos for events, advertising, editorial work |
8. Videographer |
Shoot and edit video content for commercials, social media |
9. Architect |
Design building plans, oversee construction projects |
10. Art Director |
Lead creative teams, develop visual styles and branding strategies |
11. Content Creator |
Develop creative content for digital platforms and campaigns |
12. Social Media Designer |
Design visual content tailored for social media platforms |
13. Product Designer |
Design consumer products, packaging, and prototypes |
14. Calligrapher |
Create artistic Arabic calligraphy for branding and cultural works |
15. Game Designer |
Develop game concepts, characters, and user interaction designs |
16. Motion Graphic Designer |
Produce animated graphic designs for video and digital media |
17. Brand Designer |
Develop brand identity including logos, color schemes, messaging |
18. Creative Director |
Oversee overall creative vision and execution in projects |
19. Advertising Designer |
Design print and digital ads, campaigns, and promotional material |
20. Exhibition Designer |
Design layouts and visual elements for exhibitions and events |
Job Profile |
Education |
Experience |
Key Skills / Tools |
Language Requirement |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Graphic Designer |
Diploma/Bachelor in Design |
1-3 years |
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign |
English (Arabic preferred) |
2. UI/UX Designer |
Bachelor in Design/IT |
2-5 years |
Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Prototyping |
English (Arabic preferred) |
3. Interior Designer |
Bachelor in Interior Design |
2-4 years |
AutoCAD, 3Ds Max, SketchUp |
English & Arabic beneficial |
4. Fashion Designer |
Bachelor in Fashion Design |
2-5 years |
CAD, Illustrator, trend forecasting |
English (Arabic beneficial) |
5. Illustrator |
Diploma/Bachelor Fine Arts |
1-3 years |
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop |
English (Arabic preferred) |
6. Animator |
Bachelor in Animation/Arts |
2-4 years |
Maya, Blender, After Effects |
English |
7. Photographer |
Diploma/Bachelor |
1-3 years |
DSLR, Photoshop, Lightroom |
English (Arabic beneficial) |
8. Videographer |
Diploma/Bachelor |
2-4 years |
Premiere Pro, Final Cut, After Effects |
English (Arabic beneficial) |
9. Architect |
Bachelor in Architecture |
3-6 years |
AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp |
English & Arabic beneficial |
10. Art Director |
Bachelor in Design/Arts |
5+ years |
Leadership, Adobe Suite, Creativity |
English (Arabic beneficial) |
11. Content Creator |
Any relevant degree |
1-3 years |
Photography, video editing, social media |
English |
12. Social Media Designer |
Diploma/Bachelor in Design |
1-3 years |
Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Social platforms |
English |
13. Product Designer |
Bachelor in Industrial Design |
3-5 years |
CAD, 3D modeling, prototyping |
English |
14. Calligrapher |
Diploma/Bachelor Fine Arts |
1-3 years |
Arabic Calligraphy skills |
Arabic essential |
15. Game Designer |
Bachelor in Game Design/IT |
2-5 years |
Unity, Unreal Engine, storytelling |
English |
16. Motion Graphic Designer |
Diploma/Bachelor Arts |
2-4 years |
After Effects, Cinema 4D, Photoshop |
English |
17. Brand Designer |
Bachelor in Graphic Design |
3-5 years |
Branding, Adobe Suite, creativity |
English (Arabic beneficial) |
18. Creative Director |
Bachelor in Design/Arts |
7+ years |
Leadership, project management, Adobe |
English (Arabic beneficial) |
19. Advertising Designer |
Diploma/Bachelor in Design |
2-4 years |
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator |
English |
20. Exhibition Designer |
Bachelor in Design/Architecture |
3-5 years |
CAD, 3D modeling, spatial design |
English (Arabic beneficial) |
Job Profile |
Typical Experience Required |
---|---|
1. Graphic Designer |
1 - 3 years |
2. UI/UX Designer |
2 - 5 years |
3. Interior Designer |
2 - 4 years |
4. Fashion Designer |
2 - 5 years |
5. Illustrator |
1 - 3 years |
6. Animator |
2 - 4 years |
7. Photographer |
1 - 3 years |
8. Videographer |
2 - 4 years |
9. Architect |
3 - 6 years |
10. Art Director |
5+ years (including leadership) |
11. Content Creator |
1 - 3 years |
12. Social Media Designer |
1 - 3 years |
13. Product Designer |
3 - 5 years |
14. Calligrapher |
1 - 3 years |
15. Game Designer |
2 - 5 years |
16. Motion Graphic Designer |
2 - 4 years |
17. Brand Designer |
3 - 5 years |
18. Creative Director |
7+ years (including team management) |
19. Advertising Designer |
2 - 4 years |
20. Exhibition Designer |
3 - 5 years |
Company / Organization |
Industry |
Notable Roles Hired |
Location(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Ogilvy Saudi Arabia |
Advertising & Marketing |
Graphic Designer, Art Director, UX/UI |
Riyadh, Jeddah |
Leo Burnett |
Advertising & Creative Agency |
Creative Director, Graphic Designer |
Riyadh |
Alhokair Group |
Fashion Retail & Lifestyle |
Fashion Designer, Brand Designer |
Riyadh |
Tarek Atrissi Design |
Branding & Graphic Design |
Brand Designer, Illustrator |
Riyadh |
Saudi Aramco |
Energy & Corporate Services |
UI/UX Designer, Content Creator |
Dhahran |
Diriyah Gate Development |
Cultural & Entertainment Dev. |
Exhibition Designer, Graphic Designer |
Riyadh |
NEOM |
Smart City & Tech |
Interior Designer, Architect, Product Designer |
Tabuk |
STC (Saudi Telecom Company) |
Telecommunications & Digital |
Motion Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer |
Riyadh |
Riyadh Season / General Entertainment Authority |
Events & Entertainment |
Event Designer, Motion Graphic Designer |
Riyadh |
Fashtory |
Fashion Tech Startup |
Fashion Designer, Content Creator |
Riyadh |
Emkan Education |
Educational Tech & Design |
Illustrator, Animator |
Riyadh |
MBC Group |
Media & Broadcasting |
Video Producer, Graphic Designer |
Riyadh, Dubai (regional hub) |
The Savvy Group |
Creative Agency |
Art Director, Advertising Designer |
Riyadh |
Jeddah Economic Company |
Urban Development & Design |
Architect, Interior Designer |
Jeddah |
Careem (Uber subsidiary) |
Digital Platform & Mobility |
UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer |
Riyadh, Jeddah |
SAPTCO |
Transportation & Corporate |
Brand Designer, Graphic Designer |
Riyadh |
Alfanar |
Industrial & Corporate Design |
Product Designer, Brand Designer |
Riyadh |
Golden Scent |
E-commerce & Luxury Fashion |
Fashion Designer, Social Media Designer |
Riyadh |
Mawhiba (King Abdulaziz & His Comp.) |
Education & Innovation |
Content Creator, Graphic Designer |
Riyadh |
Zain KSA |
Telecommunications |
Motion Graphic Designer, UI Designer |
Riyadh |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (SAR/year) |
Job Requirements (Education & Experience) |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Graphic Designer |
60,000 - 90,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor in Design, 1-3 years experience, Adobe CS |
Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, STC |
Create visual content for print/digital media, branding |
UI/UX Designer |
90,000 - 140,000 |
Bachelor in Design/IT, 2-5 years, Figma, Sketch |
Saudi Aramco, Careem, STC |
Design user interfaces, improve user experience |
Interior Designer |
70,000 - 120,000 |
Bachelor Interior Design, 2-4 years, AutoCAD, 3Ds Max |
NEOM, Jeddah Economic Co., Diriyah Gate Dev. |
Plan/design indoor spaces, select materials, furniture |
Fashion Designer |
60,000 - 110,000 |
Bachelor Fashion Design, 2-5 years, CAD, Illustrator |
Alhokair Group, Fashtory, Golden Scent |
Design clothing, accessories, create fashion collections |
Illustrator |
55,000 - 85,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor Fine Arts, 1-3 years, Adobe Illustrator |
Emkan Education, Tarek Atrissi Design |
Produce illustrations for books, ads, digital media |
Animator |
65,000 - 110,000 |
Bachelor Animation, 2-4 years, Maya, Blender |
Emkan Education, MBC Group |
Create 2D/3D animations for films, ads, games |
Photographer |
50,000 - 90,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor, 1-3 years, DSLR, Lightroom |
Freelance, Advertising Agencies |
Capture/edit photos for events, ads, editorial |
Videographer |
60,000 - 100,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor, 2-4 years, Premiere Pro |
MBC Group, Riyadh Season |
Shoot/edit video content for commercials, social media |
Architect |
100,000 - 180,000 |
Bachelor Architecture, 3-6 years, AutoCAD, Revit |
NEOM, Jeddah Economic Co., Alfanar |
Design building plans, oversee construction |
Art Director |
120,000 - 200,000 |
Bachelor Design, 5+ years, leadership skills |
Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, The Savvy Group |
Lead creative teams, develop visual styles |
Content Creator |
50,000 - 90,000 |
Any relevant degree, 1-3 years |
Careem, MBC Group, Freelance |
Develop creative digital content |
Social Media Designer |
55,000 - 90,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor Design, 1-3 years |
Golden Scent, Fashtory, Advertising Agencies |
Design social media visuals tailored for platforms |
Product Designer |
80,000 - 130,000 |
Bachelor Industrial Design, 3-5 years |
NEOM, Alfanar |
Design consumer products, packaging, and prototypes |
Calligrapher |
40,000 - 70,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor Fine Arts, 1-3 years |
Cultural organizations, luxury brands |
Create Arabic calligraphy for branding, cultural projects |
Game Designer |
90,000 - 150,000 |
Bachelor Game Design/IT, 2-5 years |
Startups, Tech companies |
Develop game concepts, storylines, gameplay |
Motion Graphic Designer |
70,000 - 120,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor Arts, 2-4 years |
STC, MBC Group, Advertising Agencies |
Produce animated graphics for video and digital media |
Brand Designer |
85,000 - 140,000 |
Bachelor Graphic Design, 3-5 years |
Tarek Atrissi Design, Ogilvy |
Develop brand identity: logos, colors, messaging |
Creative Director |
150,000 - 250,000 |
Bachelor Design, 7+ years, leadership |
Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, The Savvy Group |
Oversee creative vision and project execution |
Advertising Designer |
60,000 - 100,000 |
Diploma/Bachelor Design, 2-4 years |
Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Advertising Agencies |
Design print/digital ads and promotional materials |
Exhibition Designer |
65,000 - 110,000 |
Bachelor Design/Architecture, 3-5 years |
Diriyah Gate Development, Event Agencies |
Design layouts and visuals for exhibitions and events |
Most common visa for creative professionals.
Sponsored by a Saudi employer.
Requires a signed employment contract.
The employer applies for the visa through the Saudi Ministry of Labor.
Valid for 1-2 years and renewable.
After arrival, you get an Iqama (residency permit), allowing you to live and work in Saudi Arabia.
Available for certain professions including creative designers, graphic artists, photographers, and others.
Allows you to work as an independent contractor or freelancer in Saudi Arabia.
Must register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD).
You still need to apply for a freelance visa or an appropriate work permit.
Good option if you want to work on multiple projects or with multiple clients.
For creative entrepreneurs who want to start their own design studios, agencies, or businesses in Saudi Arabia.
Requires investment in a Saudi-registered company.
Offers residency rights linked to your investment.
Allows business operations and hiring employees.
Sometimes used for short-term business trips or interviews.
Not suitable for long-term employment.
Creative professionals may enter on this visa but must switch to a work visa for employment.
Saudi government initiatives are exploring visas targeting creative industries under Vision 2030.
These may include easier procedures for artists, designers, and tech professionals.
Check with Saudi consulates or official portals for the latest updates.