Saudi Arabia has been buzzing with change. Streets full of coffee shops and energetic young people. Billboards carrying bold words: Vision 2030. You can almost feel opportunity in the air. For tech companies worldwide, there’s more than hype here—it’s a real need for fresh talent and new ideas. But hiring in this transforming landscape? That’s its own adventure.
Every day, companies from across the globe wonder how to find tech professionals in Riyadh, Dammam, or Jeddah. Is it all about coding and apps, or is there more beneath the surface? We spoke with EWS Limited experts and combed through the latest studies to help growing businesses see the opportunities—and avoid the pitfalls—in today’s Saudi tech hiring scene.
In this detailed guide, we’ll uncover what’s shaping tech recruitment right now, from new skills to remote working patterns. We’ll also gently examine how foreign firms can attract the kind of talent that moves businesses forward—without a misstep.
Saudi Arabia is not playing small in the tech sector. There’s significant investment, from cloud infrastructure to AI. Companies that just a few years ago would never have thought of operating here now view the kingdom as a key part of their global plans.
Perhaps the biggest driver is the Vision 2030 program. It’s a national roadmap for reducing reliance on oil and encouraging sectors like technology, fintech, and digital services to grow. According to reports from the Financial Times, major Asian tech giants are investing in Saudi Arabia’s AI and other tech sectors, seeing it as fertile ground for partnerships and expansion.
Innovation doesn’t wait for the rules to catch up.
That philosophy seems to be at play here. Regulatory changes are coming fast. For example, there are now streamlined processes for company formation and more incentives for international companies to invest locally.
One immediate impact? International companies now find it easier to build teams in-country. And those teams aren’t restricted to only local hires; Saudi labor law gives some flexibility, especially for in-demand fields like software development, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
This shift isn’t just at the government level. Investors are pouring money into Saudi tech startups. According to Arab News business data, Saudi Arabia led the MENA region in startup funding during the first half of 2025, with about $1.34 billion raised, mostly funneled into fintech ventures.
Every conversation in the startup scene is about growth—and people who can make it happen.
What does this mean for hiring? Simply put, the demand for tech talent is rising, even surpassing current supply in some areas. Here are some key roles that keep appearing in job boards, HR meetings, and conversations with experts at EWS Limited:
Job descriptions tend to be short and clear. “Build. Solve problems. Move fast.” It’s not about long-winded titles—it’s about getting things done in a young, ambitious market. Companies know they are competing globally for this talent.
No conversation about hiring in Saudi Arabia goes far before you mention Saudization. This is an ongoing effort to increase the participation of Saudi nationals in the workforce, especially in private and fast-growing sectors.
To meet these goals, tech companies need to structure their teams carefully. Many successful firms balance Saudi nationals with international specialists. This not only complies with regulations but, quite honestly, helps companies build bridges across cultures and markets.
Often, global employers rely on partnerships and third-party services like employer of record services in Saudi Arabia to manage these local requirements and remain compliant. EWS Limited, for instance, provides guidance and solutions that allow your business to focus on growth—without getting lost in the paperwork.
Remote work is here to stay, and Saudi Arabia’s tech industry knows it. But hybrid work, where a team might blend in-office and offsite arrangements, is catching on. Key factors:
This is often where expert partners like EWS step in. Solutions such as payroll outsourcing or support for global mobility help tech teams focus on building their products, not getting tangled in regional rules.
Collaboration is a keyword in these new remote models. Team members could be in Riyadh, Dubai, or even further afield—sometimes a single product sprint has contributors from three or four countries working in sync. Sound complicated? It can be, unless you have reliable processes in place.
As investment increases and companies scale, skill requirements shift. You’ll see new job titles appearing almost overnight. Artificial intelligence, advanced cloud automation, ethical hacking, and digital marketing analytics are just the beginning.
The Saudi HR tech market is projected to more than double from $1.23 billion in 2023 to $2.68 billion by 2032. About 78% of Saudi firms plan to increase their investment in HR technology—meaning a fresh surge in demand for professionals who can roll out, manage, and adapt these tools.
It’s not enough to hire. You need people who keep learning, too.
The hottest skills right now?
The truth? Today’s most prized employee may have learned their skills just a couple of years ago. The world is changing quickly, and so must tech teams.
When you walk into many Saudi tech offices now, it looks different. Women are present in the room—and often leading projects. This shift reflects wider social and economic changes, with more women entering the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Companies that recognize the value of diverse viewpoints are often better at adapting products for the local market. They’re also more able to meet global standards for responsible hiring and inclusive policy-making.
Still, progress feels uneven. Some offices have near parity among junior staff but fewer women in director roles. Initiatives aimed at supporting women’s mentorship and advancement are spreading, with both grassroots and government support. Slowly, this is making a mark, especially in the bigger cities.
How can companies stand out and stay compliant in the Saudi tech labor market? EWS experts offer some practical steps:
A great hire today is only the start of your journey.
Bringing in the right people is never easy—even less so in a market growing this fast. Here are some roadblocks and oddities now shaping Saudi Arabia’s tech hiring landscape:
It would be nice if there was a single, reliable playbook. In reality, it’s about staying flexible—and keeping an open conversation with your teams and advisors.
This is a question we hear often at EWS Limited. Should you try to hire locally, bring in global experts, or mix both approaches?
The answer depends on the job. Many junior and mid-level roles can be filled by Saudi nationals now, thanks to significant government investments in STEM education. For newer fields—think AI, machine learning, or advanced cybersecurity—international talent is still often brought in, at least for senior or pioneering roles.
This isn’t unique to Saudi Arabia. Across the Gulf, rapid innovation means skills gaps appear where universities can’t prepare specialists fast enough. Countries like Oman and the UAE face similar challenges, and services like employer of record Oman are helping international companies handle local requirements without a legal headache.
Successful employers don’t view this as an either/or question. Instead, they build teams with a bit of both: local hires who know the culture and market nuances, plus international experts who bring global knowledge and best practices.
Recruiting in Saudi Arabia’s tech industry means talking openly about money and benefits. Salary is rarely the whole story. Some additional perks that often come up include:
This holistic approach to compensation is a response to a market where both employers and employees understand that rapid growth means greater expectations on both sides. Retaining top talent requires more than just a good paycheck.
So, what does it take to truly connect with the local tech community?
Finally, remember that policies and the tech scene change fast. Listening—really listening—to your local managers, team leads, and HR advisors is just as important as data. Sometimes the person with the best advice is the one who quietly gets things done every day.
The Saudi tech sector is moving quickly. Both local and international businesses can benefit from this surge, but only if they pay careful attention to the real needs and wishes of the tech workforce. For companies that plan well and stay responsive, the rewards extend far beyond short-term wins—they can build a foundation for growth across the Middle East.
The future of Saudi tech is being written—not tomorrow, but today.
At EWS Limited, we help businesses hiring in Saudi Arabia (and across the wider Gulf region) connect the dots. From hiring compliance to payroll support and workforce solutions, our job is to make expansion smoother for you, so you can get back to building what matters. If you’re ready to build teams in this new era of tech, reach out for tailored support—from your first hire to your hundredth.
Remote and hybrid roles are becoming more common in Saudi Arabia’s tech sector, alongside heavy investment in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity skills. Companies are incorporating both local and international hires, with growing attention on women in tech and flexible work arrangements. Demand is especially high for professionals skilled in AI, cloud platforms, and digital transformation.
Start with clear, relevant job descriptions and be ready to adapt to local labor laws and Saudization quotas. Many employers rely on partners such as EWS Limited for employer of record services, supporting smooth onboarding and compliance. Use digital job platforms and local recruitment fairs, and stay open to hybrid work arrangements to attract the widest talent pool.
Yes, Saudi Arabia is now considered a regional hotspot for tech jobs, thanks to Vision 2030, government funding, and vibrant startup scene. Companies and professionals enjoy fast growth, modern workspaces, and a competitive compensation structure, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Opportunities are strongest in fields such as fintech, AI, and cloud computing.
The most sought-after skills include software engineering, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure design, cybersecurity (including penetration testing), data analytics, and advanced project management. Bilingual ability in Arabic and English is an asset for roles interfacing with both local and international markets.
Tech talent can be found through digital job portals specific to Saudi Arabia, university career centers, professional networking events, and regional recruitment platforms. Many global firms also work with partners like EWS Limited to identify candidates for in-demand roles, as these providers have established local networks and compliance expertise.
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