Saudi gyms face Nov. 18 deadline for 15% local hiring rule

Saudi Arabia’s labor ministry reminded gyms and sports centers on Nov. 6 to meet an employment rule before it takes effect Nov. 18. The rule sets a 15% local-hiring rate across 12 professions at private facilities with four or more workers.

Tonnage · published Friday, November 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET · 1 min read · 2 sources

Saudi gyms face Nov. 18 deadline for 15% local hiring rule — Image: Saudi Gazette

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development urged gyms and sports centers on Nov. 6 to complete employment steps before the Nov. 18 deadline. The Ministry of Sport will oversee implementation, the report said.1

The rule sets a 15% localization rate across 12 professions at private gyms and sports centers with four or more workers, HRSD said. Covered jobs include sports coaches, professional football coaches and sports supervisors.2

HRSD said employers could get support for recruitment, training and keeping workers in their jobs.1,2

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