Saudi Arabia Employment Guide

Saudi Arabia Employment Guide

Saudi Arabia, located in the Arabian Peninsula, is a leading economy in the Middle East driven by oil, petrochemicals, and increasingly, tourism and technology. With a population of over 35 million, the labor market is regulated by the Saudi Labor Law, which governs employment contracts, working hours, leave entitlements, termination rules, and Saudization requirements (employing a certain quota of Saudi nationals). Employers must comply with social insurance, GOSI contributions, and wage protection regulations. Employee rights, workplace safety, and non-discrimination are legally protected.

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Currency

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Capital

Riyadh

Official language

Arabic

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Saudi Arabia

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Paid Time Off Policy

Full-time employees at SailGlobal are entitled to 21 working days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually. This benefit accrues at a rate of 1.75 working days per month, providing flexibility for employees to plan their time away from work.

As a retention incentive, employees who complete five years of continuous service with the company receive an enhanced annual leave allowance of 30 working days.

National Public Holidays

Saudi Arabia observes four major national holidays throughout the calendar year. These include:

  • Founding Day
  • Eid al-Fitr Holiday (4 days)
  • Eid al-Adha Holiday (4 days)
  • National Day

International Workforce Considerations

For multinational organizations like SailGlobal, understanding local holiday schedules is crucial for coordinating global operations. Many international companies operating in Saudi Arabia supplement national holidays with additional floating holidays to accommodate diverse cultural backgrounds within their workforce.

Effective leave management systems help maintain productivity while respecting both local regulations and employee wellbeing. SailGlobal implements automated tracking systems to ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws while providing transparency for employees planning their time off.

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