December Recap: New Saudization Rules & Heightened Activity in MICE and Tourism Sectors

December 2025 recap: Saudi Arabia's new Saudization rules, MICE sector deals, tourism growth & logistics investments by sector.

Saudi Arabia closed off the year with expansive workforce localization mandates, targeting various private sectors and roles. The final month of 2025 also showcased the country's efforts to spur investments in traditional and digital sectors.

Here's a roundup of the most important developments across the Kingdom's high-priority sectors.

Saudization

• Saudi Mandates 70% Localization of Procurement Jobs
• Saudi Mandates 30% Localization of Engineering Jobs in Private Sector
• Localization Push Targets Veterinary Vaccine, Drug Production to Support Food Security
• Saudi Arabia to Localize 12 Jobs in Private Sports Centers and Gyms After One Year

Big Picture: As we enter 2026, businesses planning a business setup in Saudi Arabia must prioritize local talent acquisition from the start rather than treating it as a post-setup compliance step.

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE)

• MICE Summit in Riyadh Records 20 Deals to Boost Vision 2030
• More Than 20 Agreements Signed at Sand & Fun Worth $66.7m
• German Trade Show Company Dental Exhibition to Ramp Up Saudi Expansion

Big Picture: As deadlines approach for events like Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034, the MICE sector remains a strategic sector of opportunity, with more investments expected to flow into event infrastructure and specialized services.

Tourism

• Domestic Tourism Spending Hits $28 Billion in Q3 2025
• TDF Unlocks $1 Billion in Partnerships to Boost Tourism MSMEs

Big Picture: Domestic tourism remains a vital contributor to the services sector, driving growth across hospitality, retail, and local SMEs. With the tech sector already thriving, Saudi is becoming a key draw for global entrepreneurs in the tourism & travel market.

Logistics, Industry, Infrastructure

• NIDLP Sectors Reach Over $210 Billion GDP
• Saudi Transport & Logistics Sector Attracts $75 Billion
• Saudi Logistics and Supply Chain Investments Reach $74.6 Billion

Big Picture: The industrial sector is at an inflection point. Government support initiatives create compelling advantages for investors in advanced manufacturing and logistics services, aligning with the broader Vision 2030's goal to develop domestic supply chains across all sectors.

Cybersecurity

• Group-IB and VAS Sign MoU to Boost Cybersecurity Across Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Launches Major Cybersecurity Investment Package at Black Hat 2025

Big Picture: As Saudi rapidly digitizes government services, expands smart city initiatives, and increases digital services adoption, varied prospects emerge in cybersecurity, especially in AI and cloud security spaces.