65% Saudization in Radiology as Workforce Localization Advances
Saudi Arabia has officially launched the first phase of Saudization within the healthcare sector, aiming to bolster national talent participation and Saudi healthcare expansion. As of April 17, 2025, Saudization rates have been raised across four key healthcare professions in private-sector establishments. The initiative mandates 65% localization in radiology, 80% in clinical nutrition and physiotherapy, and 70% in medical laboratories.
The policy sets minimum salaries at SR7,000 for specialists and SR5,000 for technicians, ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for Saudi professionals. Initially, the implementation covers major metropolitan areas like Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Khobar, with full nationwide expansion scheduled for October 2025.
Saudi-French Agreements Strengthen Healthcare Innovation
International partnerships are playing a crucial role in Saudi Healthcare Expansion, particularly in advancing medical technology and knowledge exchange. During an official visit to Paris, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel met with French officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in digital health, emergency medicine, and biotechnology.
Key outcomes from the visit included the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Saudi institutions and Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Paris, paving the way for joint scientific research projects and enhanced emergency medical services. The Saudi minister also engaged with France’s Minister for Artificial and Digital Intelligence, Clara Chappaz, to explore AI-driven healthcare solutions, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cutting-edge medical innovation.
Digital Health Agreements Lead Saudi Healthcare Expansion
The latest Saudi-French Business Council Forum spotlighted digital health, emergency medicine, and pharmaceutical innovations, aligning with the nation's healthcare expansion agenda. High-level discussions between Saudi and French officials reinforced commitments to enhance global health initiatives such as antimicrobial resistance management and medical knowledge exchange.
With Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a regional leader in health innovation, Vision 2030’s emphasis on biotechnology, genomics, and virtual healthcare solutions is driving cross-border collaboration. Saudi authorities are particularly keen on leveraging France’s expertise in oncology research and digital therapeutics, setting the stage for major advancements in precision medicine.
Economic Incentives Drive Healthcare Transformation
To facilitate a seamless transition to workforce localization, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has introduced financial incentives, training programs, and recruitment support for private-sector establishments. Organizations that adhere to Saudization regulations will gain priority access to government-backed employment support schemes, including the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF).
Additionally, private hospitals and medical firms investing in Saudi workforce development can benefit from specialized funding, ensuring operational sustainability amid policy-driven employment shifts. These efforts reinforce the Kingdom’s long-term goal of creating an independent, highly skilled healthcare workforce.
Also Read: Saudi Healthcare Investment to hit $77B by 2027
What’s Next for Saudi Healthcare Expansion?
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its healthcare transformation by aligning international partnerships, cutting-edge biotechnology, and local workforce integration. With new agreements solidified and Saudization milestones met, the nation is positioning itself as a global healthcare hub while strengthening its economic competitiveness.
Upcoming initiatives include:
- Nationwide rollout of Saudization by October 2025
- Expanded research partnerships in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
- Greater AI integration in healthcare diagnostics and treatment protocols
- Cross-border clinical trials with leading global institutions
As the second phase of localization approaches in October 2025, Saudi healthcare professionals and investors alike are keenly watching how the latest reforms will shape industry growth and innovation.
Also Read: Saudi Healthcare R&D Surge: $3.9B Invested Since 2021
