Professionals in Saudi to receive highest raises in Middle East for 2019: report

Professionals working in Saudi Arabia will receive the highest salary increases in the Middle East in 2019, according to the latest salary survey by global recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

“The rush to hire good-quality Gulf candidates will create increased candidate movement, especially in Saudi Arabia, having a positive effect on salaries being offered to attract and retain local skills,” the report said.

The report also indicated that Saudi Arabia will see a stronger salary growth at 2 percent on average across all fields.

“The job market in Saudi Arabia will continue to be busy for government roles. We expect the private sector to follow suit and recover in 2019. Sectors such as IT, manufacturing, logistics, finance, banking and education will be key benefactors,” Jason Grundy, Robert Walters country head – Middle East, commented.

The Saudi government has predicted a 7.4 percent increase in total spend for 2019, which will likely increase companies’ confidence to hire, the report noted

“This, coupled with stringent Saudization policies, will mean that firms will look to reduce their expatriate headcount in favor of locals who have international experience. Saudi national hiring has doubled in 2018 and we expect this trend will continue into 2019,” it further stated.