Hiring, Saudi, and Strengthening Client Relationships

Welcome to my newsletter!

This week's focus:

Navigating the GCC market – 8 truths you need to know

Hiring in Saudi – the reality of visas, salaries, culture, and degrees?

Strengthening client relationships – stay proactive, even when they’re not hiring

Navigating the GCC market??

Lately, we’ve seen a lot more senior talent interested in making the move to the GCC, especially Dubai.?

But to be straight with you, the market is changing, and it’s important to have a clear picture so you can plan ahead and manage expectations.?

Here’s what we’ve noticed over the past year or so:?

Hiring from outside the region is tough?

There’s no shortage of international candidates, but companies are showing a real preference for those already in the region.?

Local experience is key?

Having regional experience is more important than ever.??

Employers want people who know the local market inside out.?

Salaries and benefits are tighter?

Salaries have either stayed the same or dropped a bit, and benefits packages have shrunk – mainly because there’s more talent chasing fewer roles.?

Hiring from outside is reserved for specific roles?

Most international hires are for senior positions or jobs where the right skills are hard to find locally.??

If you get that call, don’t miss out.?

Saudi is growing, but it’s slow?

Hiring is picking up in KSA, but regional experience and Arabic language skills are usually a must.??

Be prepared for the process to take time.?

Standing out?

If you know the local market and work in a high-growth sector, you’ve got a better chance of getting noticed.?

Remote work is fading?

Fewer remote work opportunities these days.??

Companies want people on the ground and involved in the region.?

Cultural fit and adaptability is highly valued?

Employers are putting a big emphasis on adaptability and how well candidates fit the local culture, especially in multinational firms.?

Hiring in Saudi?

The recruitment market in Saudi is picking up fast, and we’ve secured our own license to keep up with the demand.?

But if you’re looking to recruit in Saudi, there are a few things you need to know before diving in.?

First up, Saudization is non-negotiable.?

Companies have strict quotas when it comes to hiring Saudi nationals, so having a solid Saudi talent strategy is an absolute must.?

Local knowledge is everything.?

Hiring managers are prioritising candidates with deep understanding of the Saudi market.??

For recruiters, this means sourcing talent with on-the-ground experience will give you the edge.?

The visa process for expats? Slow.?

Paperwork takes time, and for certain nationalities, it can drag on even longer.??

You’ll need to factor this into your timelines.??

We’ve had roles open since August that are still in progress, and this kind of delay is pretty standard for Saudi.?

Degrees are a dealbreaker.?

For expats, having a degree is often a requirement to get a role in Saudi.??

If your candidates don’t have the right qualifications, they won’t get in.??

Make sure you’re clear on this before moving forward.?

Saudi’s work culture is formal and hierarchical.?

Understanding and respecting local customs is crucial if you want to succeed.??

The workweek runs from Friday to Saturday, and there are adjustments for religious observances like Ramadan, so flexibility is key.?

Relocation isn’t simple.?

Moving a family to Saudi comes with its own set of challenges – visas, schools, housing – it all takes careful planning.?

And don’t expect sky-high salaries.?

A lot of expats come in expecting big packages, but companies aren’t always offering top dollar.??

Do your research, so you can set realistic expectations for your candidates.?

Some sectors are tough to crack.?

Healthcare, finance, and energy are heavily regulated industries in Saudi.??

If your clients are hiring here, deep sector knowledge and relevant qualifications are essential.?

Retention is a challenge.?

Saudi talent is in high demand, and the competition to keep them is fierce.??

If your clients want to hold onto top local talent, it’s going to take more than just a competitive paycheck.??

Clear career growth, meaningful work, and a company culture that genuinely values local talent are key.?

Saudi Arabia offers massive opportunities, but it’s a market with unique challenges.??

If you and your clients can adapt, the rewards for your recruitment business are there for the taking.?

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https://justinmcg.beehiiv.com/p/hiring-saudi-and-strengthening-client-relationships