Gyms and sports centres: coaching and fitness professions — Decision 72002
Gyms and sports centres must fill at least 15% of their coaching and fitness jobs with Saudis. The rule applies to each licensed outlet with 4 or more workers in the listed jobs. A 12-month grace period runs from 18 November 2025, and penalties apply from 18 November 2026.
This requirement takes effect on a future date. It is not yet in force. View current record
15% of the jobs covered by this decision must be held by Saudi nationals at private establishments with 4 or more workers in these jobs, starting 18 November 2026.
Takes effect18 November 2026Scope and conditions
Applies to sports outlets licensed by the Ministry of Sport that run men's gyms and sports centres (activity code 931221) or women's gyms and sports centres (activity code 931222). It also covers any outlet that actually runs these activities, even if its commercial registration or licence shows a different activity. Each centre or gym with its own licence counts as a separate outlet. The rule applies when an outlet has 4 or more workers in the 12 listed coaching and supervision jobs. In that case, 15% of those workers must be Saudi. The result is rounded to the nearest whole number: 0.49 and below rounds down and 0.50 and above rounds up. In practice, an outlet with 4 or more such workers needs at least 1 Saudi sports coach. Example: 10 workers × 15% = 1.5, so 2 Saudis are needed. This rule applies alongside Nitaqat, whatever the outlet's Nitaqat band. Where another Saudisation decision sets a higher rate, the higher rate applies. Assigning the tasks of these jobs to a non-Saudi under any other job title counts as a violation. Timeline: the decision was issued on 18 November 2025 and is followed by a 12-month grace period. Enforcement and penalties start on 18 November 2026.
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Covered occupations in this record
Consult the official guide for the full occupation list; completeness has not been confirmed for this record.
342201Sports coach342203Professional football coach342205Professional ball sports coach342207Professional self-defence coach342209Professional racket sports coach342211Professional water sports coach342213Professional ice sports coach342217Professional equestrian coach342219Professional athletics coach342221Sports supervisor342301Fitness trainer342302Personal sports trainer