Last updated: 6 November 2026
Gym Saudization starts on 18 November 2026. From that date, private gyms and sports centres in Saudi Arabia must fill 15% of 12 sports jobs with Saudi nationals. The rule applies to men’s and women’s centres with 4 or more workers in these jobs. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) announced the decision a year ago with a one-year grace period, and that period ends in 12 days.
Many expat coaches and personal trainers in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam have asked whether this means they must leave. It does not. The rule sets a minimum share of Saudi staff; it does not ban foreign trainers.
Gym Saudization at a glance
- Who decided: HRSD, with the Ministry of Sport following up on how gyms apply it.
- Rate: 15% of workers in the targeted sports jobs must be Saudi.
- Who is covered: private-sector sports centres and gyms, for men and for women, with 4 or more workers.
- Start date: 8 Jumada al-Akhirah 1448, which is 18 November 2026.
- Penalties: gyms that do not comply face legal penalties. HRSD has not published the amounts in its announcement.
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Which gym and sports jobs are covered
The decision covers 12 professions. HRSD’s announcement names these:
- Sports coach
- Professional football coach
- Sports supervisor
- Personal (private) sports trainer
- Professional athletics (track and field) coach
The remaining roles are other specialised coaching jobs, and reports also list fitness trainers. The full list of 12 is in the procedural guide that HRSD published on its website. Gym owners should check each worker’s job title in Qiwa against that guide.
How the 15% works in practice
The share is counted on the workers in the targeted sports jobs, not on every employee in the gym. Cleaners, receptionists and sales staff are not part of this rule. A gym with fewer than 4 workers in these jobs is outside the decision.
Gyms should not try to avoid the rule by giving a coach a different job title. The work a person actually does is what counts, and a title that does not match the job can cause problems in a labour inspection.
Saudization also affects the company’s Nitaqat colour. A gym that falls into red can face blocks on new visas and iqama services for its workers, so owners have a strong reason to comply on time. Saudi staff also need to be paid at least the Nitaqat wage to count in full, as explained in our guide to the Nitaqat minimum wage of SAR 5,000.
What expat trainers and coaches should do now
- Do not panic. Foreign coaches can keep working. The rule only asks the gym to employ enough Saudis in these jobs.
- Check your job title. Log in to Qiwa and see which profession is on your contract and work permit. If it is one of the 12, your gym is counting you in this rule.
- Check your company status. Ask HR whether the gym already meets 15%. If it does, your position is not affected by this decision.
- Keep your iqama and contract up to date. A valid iqama and an accepted contract in Qiwa protect you if the gym changes its staff. Our guide to iqama fees shows the yearly costs.
- Know your options. If your contract ends, you can look for another employer through a legal transfer. See our 10 ways to find a job in Saudi Arabia.
What gym owners need to do before 18 November
- Count the workers in the 12 targeted jobs and work out 15% of that number.
- Hire or train Saudi coaches to reach the share. HRSD says gyms get support for recruitment, training and job retention, plus priority in Saudization support and Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) programmes.
- Make sure every job title in Qiwa matches the work done.
- Check your Nitaqat band and your Qiwa company size after the change.
Part of a wider Saudization push
Gyms are one of several sectors with new Saudization targets in 2026. Accounting jobs moved to 50% in October, as covered in our accounting Saudization report, procurement jobs are at 70% (procurement Saudization), and project management Saudization rises to 70% in February 2027. For pay levels across sectors, see our Saudi salary guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does gym Saudization start?
On 18 November 2026 (8 Jumada al-Akhirah 1448), when the one-year grace period ends.
Can expat personal trainers still work in Saudi gyms?
Yes. The rule is a 15% minimum for Saudis in 12 sports jobs. It is not a ban on foreign trainers.
Does it apply to small gyms?
Only gyms and sports centres with 4 or more workers are covered.
Does it apply to women’s gyms?
Yes. HRSD says the decision covers both men’s and women’s sports centres and gyms in the private sector.
Sources: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announcement and procedural guide; Gulf News (25 November 2025).