Find the Most In-Demand Jobs in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia offers incredible job opportunities for expats. Industries such as real estate and IT are thriving in the region, but many Saudi nationals lack the education and training to fill those roles. This is creating a perfect storm for expatriates looking to make a move and advance their careers.
But how can you be sure that a job is worth such a major relocation? We’ve taken the time to identify the most popular expat jobs in Saudi Arabia. Check out our list of the best jobs in Saudi Arabia for foreigners.
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The Best Jobs in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners
From high-level finance roles to essential healthcare and engineering positions, Saudi Arabia offers expats access to some of the most competitive and well-paid career opportunities in the region.
Here are some of the best jobs for expats and foreign workers:
Treasury Manager Jobs in Saudi Arabia
With an annual salary of nearly $192,000, a treasury manager in Saudi Arabia can expect to encounter massive growth opportunities.
As the venture capital market in KSA emerges, jobs in banking and finance will become increasingly attractive. To qualify, you’ll need about 10 years of experience and a professional degree, such as an ACA, CMA, or MBA.
In general, treasury managers should have experience in banking administration and treasury management. You should understand cash management and cash forecasting. You should know about credit and asset financing. On top of this, strong negotiation skills are a must.
Construction Project Manager
Offering the opportunity to earn more than $168,000 per year, this role is essential to Saudi Arabia’s growing economy.
Construction project managers are responsible for coordinating materials and crews. They’re responsible for reviewing construction drawings and blueprints. They’re expected to ensure quality and safety control as well as meet productivity targets and deadlines.
Home to 25% of the world’s oil, Saudi Arabia is often looking for pipeline project managers. Most companies require approximately 10 years of experience in project management. Experience in the oil and gas industry will benefit you greatly in your job search.
As an IT manager, you’ll be responsible for hiring, training, and supervising the entire IT staff.
You will be expected to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. On a day-to-day basis, you’ll need to maintain the network facilities, infrastructure, and network security.
You’ll also be responsible for ensuring internet access and high-performance networking. Depending on the employer, you may also need to provide employees with remote network access.
Most Information Technology Manager positions require a master’s degree in technology/engineering. This skill set easily translates across industries, making it a good opportunity to start a career in a new field. An IT Manager in Saudi Arabia can expect to earn over $168,000 per year.
Saudi Arabian Doctor or General Practitioner
It goes without saying that working as a general practitioner requires a medical degree. With the ability to earn nearly $13,000 per month, this role will be very similar in Saudi Arabia as in any other part of the world.
Expect to provide routine health care, perform physical exams, and give immunizations. You’ll need to treat both acute and chronic illnesses and administer medication. You will also need experience in providing pre-op and post-op care.
Most hospitals and medical centers in Saudi Arabia want a GP with 4-5 years of experience. If you have a specialization in a particular field, additional experience as a certified specialist may be required.
Real Estate Agent, Broker, or Manager
Do you have experience in home and land sales, purchases, and leases? A Real Estate Manager in Saudi Arabia can earn more than $144,000 per year for their expertise.
The job requires that you ensure new developments are on track. You’ll need to know how to maximize the returns of each property asset. Depending on the employer, you may also need to hire contractors and prepare budgets.
Most real estate firms require 8-15 years of experience, with 5 of those years spent managing others. A degree is usually required, and strong negotiation skills are a must!
Human Resource Manager
With a bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of experience, you can be a Human Resource Manager in Saudi Arabia. Like HR management positions in the U.S and Europe, you’ll need to be able to multitask.
If you know how to maintain employee relations and manage large groups, you can earn around $144,000/year.
As an HR manager, you’ll manage the recruitment, hiring, training, and orientation of all employees. You’ll be required to maintain standard operating procedures and know how to address employee concerns and issues. You’ll also need to juggle multiple issues at once.
Saudi Arabian Lawyer
As a legal professional in Saudi Arabia, you can expect to make up to $144,000 per year. Jobs are plentiful in most fields of corporate, real estate, and finance law.
A strong academic background is essential, and 4-6 years of prior law firm experience is usually required.
Legal jobs in Saudi Arabia offer excellent opportunities for expats. Some companies only want lawyers from the U.S or the U.K., making it appealing for expats looking to gain international experience.
Resources for Job Seekers in Saudi Arabia
Considering making a move to Saudi Arabia as a way to advance your career? You’re not the only one. There are many excellent online resources to help expats find jobs in KSA.
Check out sites such as GulfTalent, Bayt, and MonsterGulf to find jobs in dozens of industries. Glassdoor is another great source of job postings, geared to professionals in finance, banking, IT, and oil and gas.
Before making the move, be sure to also research the cost of living in Saudi Arabia. It’s important to understand how costs such as housing and healthcare will vary before committing to any move.
Saudi Arabian companies are constantly seeking expats from the U.S. and U.K. Many Saudi nationals lack the education and skills of Americans and Europeans, so expats are in high demand. The move may be a bit of a culture shock, but the opportunity for career advancement is plentiful.
Saudi Arabian companies are hiring. Expats are needed in banking, real estate, medicine, law, construction, and IT. If you’re ready to make a move to the Middle East, check out job opportunities in KSA.
There is money to be made, and you can build your resume with international experience. If and when you decide to return home, that international experience is sure to give you a leg up on the competition in your home country.
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