Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in tourism and hospitality as part of its Vision 2030 plan, aiming to diversify its economy away from oil dependence.
Massive projects like NEOM, Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya are creating a booming demand for skilled hospitality professionals.
This growth means many new jobs, career advancement opportunities, and innovative work environments.
Working in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry provides exposure to a blend of traditional Arab culture and international business practices.
You get the chance to work with diverse teams and international guests, enhancing cross-cultural communication and professional skills.
Many hospitality jobs in Saudi Arabia offer attractive salaries, tax-free income, and benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and airfare reimbursement.
The cost of living can be relatively affordable compared to the salary packages offered.
Saudi Arabia has recently opened up to international tourists with new tourist visas, boosting the sector.
The focus on religious tourism (pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina) also drives year-round demand for hospitality services.
Leisure tourism is on the rise with the development of resorts and entertainment venues.
International hotel chains, resorts, and entertainment companies are setting up operations, bringing global standards and training programs.
There are ample opportunities for career growth from entry-level positions to management roles.
Living and working in Saudi Arabia provides a unique opportunity to experience life in a country with rich history, culture, and modernizing urban centers.
You get to explore stunning natural landscapes such as deserts, mountains, and coastlines.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is undergoing a major transformation, with huge new projects like NEOM (a futuristic city), the Red Sea Project (luxury eco-tourism), and Qiddiya (entertainment capital).
These projects emphasize creativity, innovation, and sustainability — perfect for international professionals bringing fresh ideas and global expertise.
Unlike established tourism markets, Saudi Arabia is creating entirely new tourism experiences from scratch.
As an international candidate, you can help design unique guest experiences, from luxury resorts with a local cultural twist to eco-friendly desert adventures or cutting-edge entertainment concepts.
Use your creativity to integrate Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage (like traditional music, crafts, cuisine, and storytelling) into modern hospitality offerings.
This unique blend appeals to global travelers seeking authentic yet luxurious experiences.
Saudi hospitality projects attract international talent, fostering diverse, dynamic workplaces.
Collaboration across cultures fuels innovation and opens doors to creative solutions for global clientele.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes sustainable tourism and leveraging cutting-edge technology (smart hotels, AI customer service, virtual reality tours).
International professionals with skills in green tourism, digital innovation, or creative marketing can thrive and lead in these areas.
Working here connects you with global luxury hotel brands, entertainment companies, architects, designers, and tourism operators.
It’s a chance to build a worldwide professional network while gaining experience in a unique and fast-growing market.
Front Office / Receptionist: Guest check-in/out, reservations, customer service.
Concierge: Assisting guests with travel, dining, and entertainment.
Housekeeping Staff: Cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and public areas.
Food & Beverage (F&B) Staff: Waiters, bartenders, chefs, kitchen assistants.
Event Coordinator / Banquet Manager: Planning and managing events, conferences, and weddings.
Hotel Manager / General Manager: Overseeing all hotel operations.
Sales & Marketing Manager: Promoting hotel services and increasing bookings.
Guest Relations Manager: Ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
Revenue Manager: Optimizing pricing and occupancy to maximize revenue.
Tour Guide: Leading tours and providing information on cultural and natural attractions.
Travel Agent / Consultant: Booking travel, tours, and accommodation for clients.
Tourism Development Officer: Working on projects to promote tourism destinations.
Cultural Program Manager: Developing cultural tourism experiences and events.
Transportation Coordinator: Managing logistics for tourists (shuttles, buses).
Theme Park Staff / Operator: Managing rides, attractions, and guest safety.
Recreation Manager: Overseeing activities like golf, water sports, fitness centers.
Spa Therapist / Wellness Coach: Providing health and wellness services to guests.
Event Planner: Organizing entertainment events, festivals, or exhibitions.
Private Chef / Personal Butler: Serving high-net-worth guests or VIPs.
Luxury Brand Ambassador: Representing luxury hotels, resorts, or services.
Cruise Ship Staff: Hospitality roles aboard luxury cruises operating in regional waters.
Human Resources (HR): Recruiting and managing hospitality staff.
Finance & Accounting: Managing budgets, payroll, and financial reporting.
IT Support: Implementing and maintaining hotel management systems.
Maintenance & Engineering: Ensuring facilities and equipment are in top shape.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (SAR/month) |
Avg. Salary (USD/month) |
Avg. Salary (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Manager |
40,000 - 60,000 |
10,700 - 16,000 |
890,000 - 1,330,000 |
|
Hotel Manager |
25,000 - 40,000 |
6,700 - 10,700 |
560,000 - 890,000 |
|
Front Office Manager |
12,000 - 20,000 |
3,200 - 5,300 |
270,000 - 440,000 |
|
Executive Chef |
15,000 - 30,000 |
4,000 - 8,000 |
350,000 - 710,000 |
|
Food & Beverage Manager |
12,000 - 25,000 |
3,200 - 6,700 |
270,000 - 560,000 |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
15,000 - 30,000 |
4,000 - 8,000 |
350,000 - 710,000 |
|
Guest Relations Manager |
10,000 - 18,000 |
2,700 - 4,800 |
220,000 - 430,000 |
|
Event Coordinator |
7,000 - 14,000 |
1,900 - 3,700 |
150,000 - 330,000 |
|
Housekeeping Supervisor |
6,000 - 12,000 |
1,600 - 3,200 |
130,000 - 270,000 |
|
Concierge |
8,000 - 14,000 |
2,100 - 3,700 |
180,000 - 330,000 |
|
Tour Guide |
5,000 - 10,000 |
1,300 - 2,700 |
110,000 - 240,000 |
|
Travel Consultant |
6,000 - 12,000 |
1,600 - 3,200 |
130,000 - 270,000 |
|
Spa Therapist |
7,000 - 15,000 |
1,900 - 4,000 |
150,000 - 350,000 |
|
Maintenance Engineer |
8,000 - 16,000 |
2,100 - 4,300 |
180,000 - 380,000 |
|
Human Resources Manager |
12,000 - 25,000 |
3,200 - 6,700 |
270,000 - 560,000 |
|
IT Support Specialist |
7,000 - 14,000 |
1,900 - 3,700 |
150,000 - 330,000 |
|
Revenue Manager |
15,000 - 28,000 |
4,000 - 7,500 |
350,000 - 630,000 |
|
Chef de Partie |
8,000 - 15,000 |
2,100 - 4,000 |
180,000 - 350,000 |
|
Bartender |
5,000 - 9,000 |
1,300 - 2,400 |
110,000 - 220,000 |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
3,000 - 5,000 |
800 - 1,300 |
65,000 - 110,000 |
You must secure a work visa (Iqama) sponsored by your Saudi employer.
Employers handle the visa process after issuing an employment contract.
The visa is job-specific and linked to the sponsoring company.
Minimum of a high school diploma for entry-level roles (e.g., housekeeping, waitstaff).
Diplomas or degrees in hospitality, tourism, business management, or related fields are often required for mid-to-senior roles (e.g., hotel management, event coordination).
Specialized roles (chefs, spa therapists) usually require relevant certifications or professional training.
Most employers require 1-5+ years of experience depending on the position.
International candidates with global hospitality experience or from recognized brands have an advantage.
Entry-level roles might accept little to no experience but may require willingness to train.
English proficiency is often mandatory since it’s the business and tourism lingua franca.
Arabic language skills are a plus but not always essential.
Some customer-facing roles may require basic Arabic for local guest interaction.
Candidates undergo medical fitness tests (including tests for infectious diseases) as part of visa processing.
A clean criminal background check is typically required.
Certain roles require specific certifications, e.g.:
Food safety certifications (e.g., HACCP) for chefs and kitchen staff.
Hospitality management certifications.
First aid or safety training for event coordinators or recreation managers.
Most hospitality jobs accept candidates aged 18-45 years, but this can vary by employer and role.
Candidates must respect and comply with Saudi Arabia’s labor laws and cultural norms.
Some roles, especially in entertainment or nightlife, may have additional regulations.
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
General Manager |
Oversee overall hotel/resort operations, manage staff, ensure guest satisfaction, and meet financial targets. |
|
Hotel Manager |
Manage daily hotel operations, coordinate departments, handle guest complaints, and ensure quality standards. |
|
Front Office Manager |
Supervise front desk staff, manage reservations and check-ins/outs, resolve guest issues. |
|
Executive Chef |
Lead kitchen operations, design menus, ensure food quality and safety, manage kitchen staff. |
|
Food & Beverage Manager |
Oversee all F&B outlets, plan menus and events, manage budgets and staff. |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
Develop marketing strategies, promote hotel/tourism services, build client relationships. |
|
Guest Relations Manager |
Handle guest feedback, ensure exceptional service, manage VIP guests and special requests. |
|
Event Coordinator |
Plan and organize events, liaise with clients and vendors, manage logistics and budgets. |
|
Housekeeping Supervisor |
Oversee cleaning staff, ensure rooms and public areas are clean and maintained, manage supplies. |
|
Concierge |
Assist guests with travel, dining, entertainment bookings, provide local information. |
|
Tour Guide |
Lead tours, provide informative and engaging commentary, ensure guest safety. |
|
Travel Consultant |
Advise clients on travel options, book transportation and accommodations, provide travel documentation. |
|
Spa Therapist |
Deliver wellness treatments, maintain hygiene standards, advise clients on therapies. |
|
Maintenance Engineer |
Perform routine maintenance, fix equipment issues, ensure safety compliance. |
|
Human Resources Manager |
Recruit and train staff, manage employee relations, handle payroll and compliance. |
|
IT Support Specialist |
Maintain IT systems, troubleshoot technical issues, support hotel management software. |
|
Revenue Manager |
Analyze occupancy and pricing data, optimize room rates, forecast revenue. |
|
Chef de Partie |
Prepare specific dishes or sections in the kitchen, maintain quality and hygiene. |
|
Bartender |
Prepare and serve drinks, maintain bar inventory, ensure customer satisfaction. |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
Take orders, serve food and beverages, attend to guest needs, maintain cleanliness. |
Job Profile |
Educational Requirement |
Experience Required |
Language Skills |
Certifications / Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Manager |
Bachelor’s degree (Hotel/Tourism/Business) |
8+ years in hospitality management |
Fluent English; Arabic a plus |
Leadership skills, management training |
|
Hotel Manager |
Bachelor’s degree or Diploma |
5+ years in hotel operations |
Fluent English |
Hospitality management certifications preferred |
|
Front Office Manager |
Diploma or Bachelor’s degree |
3-5 years front office experience |
Fluent English |
Customer service training |
|
Executive Chef |
Culinary degree or diploma |
5+ years culinary experience |
Basic English |
Food safety (HACCP), culinary certifications |
|
Food & Beverage Manager |
Diploma/Bachelor’s degree |
3-5 years in F&B management |
Fluent English |
Food safety certification |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
Bachelor’s degree (Marketing/Business) |
3-5 years marketing experience |
Fluent English |
Digital marketing skills preferred |
|
Guest Relations Manager |
Diploma or degree |
2-4 years in guest relations |
Fluent English |
Customer service skills |
|
Event Coordinator |
Diploma/degree |
1-3 years event planning |
Fluent English |
Event management certification preferred |
|
Housekeeping Supervisor |
High school diploma or diploma |
2-4 years housekeeping |
Basic English |
Training in hygiene standards |
|
Concierge |
High school diploma or diploma |
2-3 years concierge or customer service |
Fluent English; Arabic helpful |
Local knowledge, customer service skills |
|
Tour Guide |
Diploma/degree in tourism preferred |
1-3 years guiding experience |
Fluent English; Arabic helpful |
Tour guide license (if applicable) |
|
Travel Consultant |
Diploma/degree |
2-4 years travel industry |
Fluent English |
Knowledge of booking software |
|
Spa Therapist |
Diploma or certification in therapy |
2-4 years spa experience |
Basic English |
Relevant therapy certifications |
|
Maintenance Engineer |
Diploma/degree in engineering |
3-5 years maintenance work |
Basic English |
Technical certifications |
|
Human Resources Manager |
Bachelor’s degree (HR/Business) |
3-5 years HR experience |
Fluent English |
HR certification (e.g., CIPD) |
|
IT Support Specialist |
Diploma/degree in IT |
2-4 years IT support |
Fluent English |
IT certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Microsoft) |
|
Revenue Manager |
Bachelor’s degree (Business/Finance) |
3-5 years revenue management |
Fluent English |
Analytical skills, revenue management systems |
|
Chef de Partie |
Culinary diploma |
2-4 years kitchen experience |
Basic English |
Food safety certifications |
|
Bartender |
High school diploma or diploma |
1-3 years bartending |
Basic English |
Bartending certificate preferred |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
High school diploma |
0-2 years experience |
Basic English |
Customer service skills |
Job Profile |
Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
General Manager |
8+ years in hospitality management roles |
|
Hotel Manager |
5-8 years in hotel operations or management |
|
Front Office Manager |
3-5 years in front office or guest services |
|
Executive Chef |
5+ years culinary experience, including leadership roles |
|
Food & Beverage Manager |
3-5 years in F&B management or supervisory roles |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
3-5 years in sales, marketing, or business development |
|
Guest Relations Manager |
2-4 years in guest services or customer relations |
|
Event Coordinator |
1-3 years in event planning or coordination |
|
Housekeeping Supervisor |
2-4 years housekeeping experience |
|
Concierge |
2-3 years concierge or customer service experience |
|
Tour Guide |
1-3 years guiding or tourism experience |
|
Travel Consultant |
2-4 years in travel agency or consultancy roles |
|
Spa Therapist |
2-4 years providing spa or wellness services |
|
Maintenance Engineer |
3-5 years technical or maintenance experience |
|
Human Resources Manager |
3-5 years in HR or personnel management |
|
IT Support Specialist |
2-4 years IT support or helpdesk experience |
|
Revenue Manager |
3-5 years revenue management or data analysis |
|
Chef de Partie |
2-4 years kitchen or culinary experience |
|
Bartender |
1-3 years bartending experience |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
0-2 years food service or hospitality experience |
Company / Organization |
Industry Segment |
Notes / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriott International |
Hotels & Resorts |
Operates multiple brands including Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, JW Marriott. Actively recruits globally. |
|
Hilton Worldwide |
Hotels & Resorts |
Brands like Hilton, Waldorf Astoria. Strong presence in major Saudi cities and tourism projects. |
|
Accor Hotels |
Hotels & Resorts |
Includes Sofitel, Novotel, Pullman; expanding in Saudi luxury tourism projects. |
|
Jumeirah Group |
Luxury Hotels |
Known for luxury hospitality, focuses on high-end resorts and hotels. |
|
Rotana Hotels & Resorts |
Hotels & Resorts |
Middle Eastern chain with several properties in Saudi Arabia. |
|
Red Sea Development Company |
Tourism Development |
Major project focused on sustainable luxury tourism, hires international talent. |
|
NEOM |
Smart City & Tourism Project |
Cutting-edge city and tourism project; looking for skilled international hospitality professionals. |
|
Qiddiya Investment Company |
Entertainment & Tourism |
Developing large-scale entertainment resort; high demand for hospitality and event specialists. |
|
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) |
Government / Tourism |
Involved in promotion and development of tourism, often recruits internationally for various roles. |
|
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) |
Hotels & Resorts |
Includes InterContinental, Crowne Plaza; active in Saudi market expansion. |
|
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts |
Luxury Hotels |
Operates luxury properties, recruits for management and specialized roles. |
|
Movenpick Hotels & Resorts |
Hotels & Resorts |
Mid to upscale hotels with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. |
|
Alhokair Group |
Hospitality & Retail |
Owns and operates hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues. |
|
Hilal Cement (Hospitality Division) |
Industrial Conglomerate with hospitality investments |
Occasionally hires for hospitality management in their properties. |
|
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts |
Luxury Hotels |
Focus on luxury properties; seeks experienced international hospitality staff. |
|
Al Faisaliah Group |
Hospitality & Tourism |
Major Saudi conglomerate with hospitality investments. |
|
Global Event Management Firms |
Event & Tourism Services |
Manage international conferences, exhibitions, festivals; hire event planners and coordinators. |
|
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) |
Airline & Tourism |
Employs hospitality professionals for in-flight services and airport lounges. |
|
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh |
Luxury Hotels |
Iconic luxury hotel known for recruiting international talent. |
|
Madinah & Makkah Hospitality Groups |
Religious Tourism |
Manage hotels and services catering to pilgrims; hire multilingual staff. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (SAR/month) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Manager |
40,000 - 60,000 |
Bachelor’s degree, 8+ yrs experience, leadership skills |
Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, NEOM |
Oversee operations, manage teams, ensure guest satisfaction, financial management |
|
Hotel Manager |
25,000 - 40,000 |
Bachelor’s/diploma, 5+ yrs hotel ops experience |
Hilton, Accor, Four Seasons |
Manage daily operations, coordinate departments, resolve issues |
|
Front Office Manager |
12,000 - 20,000 |
Diploma, 3-5 yrs front office experience |
Rotana, Jumeirah, Marriott |
Supervise front desk, manage reservations, guest relations |
|
Executive Chef |
15,000 - 30,000 |
Culinary diploma, 5+ yrs culinary experience |
Hilton, Jumeirah, Fairmont |
Lead kitchen, menu design, maintain food quality and safety |
|
Food & Beverage Manager |
12,000 - 25,000 |
Diploma, 3-5 yrs F&B management experience |
Accor, Marriott, Red Sea Development |
Oversee F&B outlets, plan menus/events, manage staff and budgets |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
15,000 - 30,000 |
Bachelor’s in Marketing/Business, 3-5 yrs exp |
Marriott, Hilton, Saudi Tourism Authority |
Develop marketing strategies, build client relations, increase bookings |
|
Guest Relations Manager |
10,000 - 18,000 |
Diploma, 2-4 yrs guest services experience |
Ritz-Carlton, Jumeirah, NEOM |
Handle guest feedback, manage VIPs, ensure exceptional service |
|
Event Coordinator |
7,000 - 14,000 |
Diploma, 1-3 yrs event planning experience |
Qiddiya, Global Event Firms, Hilton |
Plan and execute events, liaise with clients/vendors |
|
Housekeeping Supervisor |
6,000 - 12,000 |
High school/diploma, 2-4 yrs housekeeping exp |
Rotana, Marriott, Four Seasons |
Supervise cleaning staff, maintain hygiene standards |
|
Concierge |
8,000 - 14,000 |
Diploma, 2-3 yrs concierge/customer service exp |
Jumeirah, Hilton, Marriott |
Assist guests with bookings, provide local info |
|
Tour Guide |
5,000 - 10,000 |
Diploma preferred, 1-3 yrs guiding experience |
Saudi Tourism Authority, Private Tour Operators |
Lead tours, provide info, ensure guest safety |
|
Travel Consultant |
6,000 - 12,000 |
Diploma, 2-4 yrs travel experience |
Travel Agencies, Airlines |
Book travel, advise clients, handle itineraries |
|
Spa Therapist |
7,000 - 15,000 |
Certification/diploma, 2-4 yrs experience |
Luxury Hotels, Resorts, Wellness Centers |
Provide treatments, maintain hygiene, client care |
|
Maintenance Engineer |
8,000 - 16,000 |
Diploma/degree in engineering, 3-5 yrs exp |
Hotels, Resorts, Tourism Projects |
Perform repairs, maintain equipment, ensure safety |
|
Human Resources Manager |
12,000 - 25,000 |
Bachelor’s HR/business, 3-5 yrs HR experience |
Marriott, Hilton, Saudi Tourism Authority |
Manage recruitment, training, employee relations |
|
IT Support Specialist |
7,000 - 14,000 |
Diploma/degree in IT, 2-4 yrs IT support |
Hotels, Resorts, Tourism Projects |
Maintain IT systems, troubleshoot, support staff |
|
Revenue Manager |
15,000 - 28,000 |
Bachelor’s in business/finance, 3-5 yrs exp |
Marriott, Hilton, NEOM |
Analyze occupancy/pricing, forecast revenue, optimize pricing |
|
Chef de Partie |
8,000 - 15,000 |
Culinary diploma, 2-4 yrs kitchen experience |
Hotels, Resorts |
Prepare assigned kitchen section, ensure quality and hygiene |
|
Bartender |
5,000 - 9,000 |
High school/diploma, 1-3 yrs bartending exp |
Hotels, Resorts, Bars |
Prepare and serve drinks, manage bar inventory |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
3,000 - 5,000 |
High school diploma, 0-2 yrs experience |
Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes |
Take orders, serve food and drinks, ensure guest satisfaction |
The primary visa for foreigners intending to work in Saudi Arabia.
Must be sponsored by a Saudi employer who issues an employment contract.
The employer applies for the visa on behalf of the employee.
Requires medical tests, background checks, and approval from Saudi authorities.
After arrival, the worker obtains a residence permit (Iqama), which is mandatory for legal work and stay.
Short-term visa for attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities.
Not suitable for employment but can be used for networking or interviewing.
Duration is typically 1 to 3 months.
Sometimes issued for short-term or seasonal hospitality jobs.
Valid for limited periods and specific job assignments.
Requires sponsorship from the hiring company.
For family members of expatriates working in Saudi Arabia.
Does not allow the holder to work unless a separate work visa is obtained.
Special visas for religious tourism but strictly for pilgrimage purposes.
Not applicable for employment but relevant if you work in religious tourism sectors.
