Littler Global Guide - United Arab Emirates - Q2 2023

Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

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Nationalization of Beauty Salons and Tailors for Women

New Order or Decree

Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner, and Sarit Thomas, Knowledge Management Counsel – Clyde & Co

Under the Ministerial Decree No. 141602 dated 11/09/1444 AH, the professions for beauty and tailoring for women are subject to 100% Saudization requirements by December 24, 2023:

  • Branch manager
  • Deputy branch Manager
  • Human resources supervisor
  • Department supervisor
  • Client accountant
  • Receptionist
  • Customer service
  • Inventory keeper
  • Sales professions

In addition, a minimum of one Saudi female employee must be employed by December 24, 2023, in outlets which employ 10 or more non-Saudi workers in the following professions:

  • Tailor for women
  • Make-up artist
  • Hair care professional
  • Photography and montage professional
  • Skin care professional

Nationalization of Project Management Professions

New Order or Decree

Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner, and Sarit Thomas, Knowledge Management Counsel – Clyde & Co

Under Ministerial Decision No. 141749 Dated 11/09/1444 AH, private sector companies with three or more employees working in the below project management professions are required to reach a Saudization rate of 35% by December 24, 2023, and 40% by December 12, 2024:

  • Project manager
  • Project management specialist
  • Project management office specialist
  • Communications project manager
  • Project manager for business services
  • Transportation project manager

Saudization Rate for Sales Profession

New Regulation or Official Guidance

Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner, and Sarit Thomas, Knowledge Management Counsel – Clyde & Co

Private sector companies with five or more employees working in the below sales professions are required to reach a Saudization rate of 15% by December 24, 2023:

  • Sales manages
  • Retail sales manager
  • Commercial specialist
  • Sales specialist
  • Wholesale sales manager
  • Information and communication technology equipment sales specialist
  • Sales representative
  • Commodity Broker
  • Futures commodity broker

New Saudization Requirements for Various Sectors

Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency

Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner, and Sarit Thomas, Knowledge Management Counsel – Clyde & Co.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has implemented further Saudization ratios for select businesses in the following sectors:

  • Ladies beauty salons and tailors for women: 100% by December 24, 2023
  • Postal and freight activities: 100% by October 26, 2023
  • Sales professions: 15% by December 24, 2023
  • Procurement professions: 50% by December 24, 2023
  • Project management professions: 35% by December 24, 2023, and 40% by December 12, 2024

Saudization of Women’s Centers and Sewing Activities

Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency

Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner, and Sarit Thomas, Knowledge Management Counsel – Clyde & Co.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has implemented Saudization of women centers and sewing activities, in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, with the aim of increasing jobs within technical administrative professions.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.