Saudi Arabia scales back salary premiums for foreign talent, recruiters say
By Rachna Uppal and Federico Maccioni
November 16, 202512:01 AM CST
Summary
Saudi Arabia shifting focus to sectors such as AI, logistics
Salary premiums for foreign recruits reduced amid cost-cutting drive, increased competition
Saudi private sector salaries now comparable to UAE
ABU DHABI, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Saudi firms are scaling back generous salary premiums that once lured top foreign talent into sectors such as construction and manufacturing as the kingdom reins in spending and reorders economic priorities, four recruiters told Reuters.
Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, is more than halfway through its economic transformation blueprint, known as Vision 2030, aimed at reducing dependence on hydrocarbon income, creating jobs, and expanding industries such as tourism, real estate, mining and financial services.