Saudi Arabia Launches Platform for Tourism Jobs Boom

Saudi Arabia is making it easier for tourism businesses to find workers when they need them most, launching a digital hiring platform just as the country gears up for its busiest travel season.

The Ministry of Tourism announced that hotels and hospitality businesses can now use the Ajeer platform to hire temporary staff during peak periods like Ramadan and Hajj. This matters because tourism in Saudi Arabia is exploding, with visitor numbers jumping to 122 million in 2025, a 5% increase from the year before.

The platform comes at a crucial time. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah started issuing Hajj visas four months earlier than usual this year, preparing to welcome more than one million pilgrims to Makkah. That surge means hotels, restaurants, and tourism sites in the Holy Cities need extra hands on deck.

Ajeer connects businesses with local workers through verified short-term contracts. Tourism facilities can post temporary jobs, issue legal work permits, and manage seasonal staffing needs all through the platform. Job seekers can browse openings and apply electronically.

The system isn't optional. Saudi Arabia made it clear that all temporary tourism workers must be registered through Ajeer. Working outside the platform is prohibited, a rule designed to protect both workers and employers through proper documentation and fair labor practices.

The Ripple Effect

The hiring boost reflects Saudi Arabia's remarkable tourism transformation. Tourism spending hit $80 billion in 2025, up 6% from the previous year. Even more impressive, tourism's slice of the national economy grew from 3.5% to 5% of GDP.

These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent real jobs for Saudi citizens as the country pushes forward with its Vision 2030 goal of attracting 150 million annual visitors. The new regulations require licensed tourism businesses to prioritize hiring local talent and work only with government-approved staffing providers.

The platform's launch shows how technology can solve real-world workforce challenges. Instead of scrambling to find workers during busy seasons or resorting to informal hiring, businesses now have a streamlined system that keeps everyone protected and productive.

With religious tourism driving much of the growth, cities like Makkah and Madinah are seeing the biggest staffing needs, but the platform serves tourism businesses across the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is proving that smart digital infrastructure can help a booming industry grow sustainably while creating opportunities for local workers.