Saudi Arabia’s Drive to Attract International Talent
Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a magnet for international talent, focusing on sectors such as technology, finance, and manufacturing. Central to this strategy is the Premium Residency program, often called the Saudi Green Card, which aims to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors by granting long-term residency and benefits similar to those enjoyed by Saudi nationals. According to Arab News, over 2,600 healthcare workers joined the program in October, reflecting the Kingdom’s proactive approach to securing global expertise.
The Premium Residency initiative, launched in 2021, provides expatriates with opportunities to own property, start businesses, and access public services. Experts like Raymond Khoury, partner and public sector practice lead at Arthur D. Little, Middle East, note that such measures make Saudi Arabia more appealing to professionals seeking stability and long-term career prospects. This approach supports the country’s growing population, projected to reach 55 million by 2030, and helps diversify the economy beyond oil, especially in areas like healthcare, technology, tourism, and renewable energy.
Regional Competition and Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia faces regional competition from neighbors like the UAE and Qatar, who have similar talent attraction schemes. Abhishek Sharma, partner at Oliver Wyman’s Government and Public Institutions practice for India, Middle East and Africa, points out that the Premium Residency program is transforming the expatriate experience by allowing skilled workers to live and work without a sponsor. This shift enhances mobility in key sectors, particularly technology, and aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of establishing Saudi Arabia as an innovation leader.
Mamdouh Al-Doubayan, managing director for Middle East and North Africa at Globant, emphasizes the importance of balancing international expertise with local talent development. Integrating global professionals with Saudi nationals not only accelerates digital transformation but also builds a sustainable, homegrown workforce.
Impact on Key Sectors and Knowledge Transfer
The influx of international talent is vital for advancing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in sectors like healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy, all of which are crucial to Vision 2030’s objectives. Experts highlight the need for knowledge transfer, global partnerships, and exposure to international best practices to support mega-projects such as Qiddiya and the Red Sea project, which together aim to attract up to 70 million visitors annually by 2030.
Developing a knowledge-based economy is a key priority. According to Sharma, human capital will drive economic growth, with skilled professionals fostering innovation and competitiveness. Al-Doubayan adds that by combining global expertise with local capabilities, Saudi Arabia is creating an environment where both international and domestic talent can thrive, supporting long-term economic transformation.
Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives
Looking forward, Saudi Arabia plans to enhance its immigration policies and expand programs like the Saudi Green Card to attract professionals in fast-growing fields such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and fintech. Investments in education, research, and innovation hubs are underway, with the government supporting both local and international startups through incubators and venture capital.
Ultimately, attracting and retaining top talent is seen as essential for Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to become a global leader in technology and innovation. Experts agree that the real challenge lies not just in recruitment, but in creating an environment where skilled professionals choose to stay, develop, and contribute to the Kingdom’s evolving economy.
