This guide will help you find out more about working for Marriott in Saudi Arabia, from work permits to reference checks, and maternity leave to sick pay. Our benefits are designed to support employees in their professional lives, from entry-level positions up to senior roles. It’s important to note that the exact benefit package you get will be specific to the role and band. You’ll be able to find out more about your personal benefits package as you go through the hiring process.
Work Permits & Visas in Saudi Arabia
We accept workers from all around the world, and we can provide support to obtain the paperwork you need to work in Saudi Arabia. All expatriate employees need an Iqama, which is a residency permit linked to your employment status. We can help manage the process to get the Iqama, which includes a medical check, and we can also help renew the permit if required.
Accommodation in Saudi Arabia
We provide some of our Saudi Arabia-based workforce, particularly expats, with either living quarters or a living allowance. Some of our hotels offer dedicated staff accommodation within or very near to the hotel, ranging from shared dormitory rooms to apartments. For expatriate workers, the living allowance may come with other benefits, such as transport support, to help with the cost of living.
Saudi Arabia Language Requirements
For back-of-house roles with less customer contact, Arabic is usually the primary language we work in, just like in our hotels in nearby Bahrain. For roles that require more interaction or handling of requests from guests (kitchen staff, housekeeping, laundry or maintenance), some basic English may be needed. For front-of-house positions, such as front desk staff, concierges and restaurant waiting staff, as well as senior management roles, English is usually essential for dealing with our international guests, as is a solid grasp of Arabic. If we need you to speak any further languages, we will list these in the job advert.
Employee Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
It’s mandatory for employers to provide health cover in Saudi Arabia, as specified by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance and the Ministry of Labor. This covers both Saudi nationals and expatriate workers.
Transport to Work in Saudi Arabia
Many of our Saudi Arabian hotels provide transport or an allowance for associates to spend on their commute to work. Some hotels run shuttle services, especially for early and late workers. These often drop off and pick up at several different locations. Non-management roles may come with a monthly transport allowance as part of the salary package. Some more senior positions may have a higher allowance or be offered a company car.
End of Service Payments in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, employers are legally required to provide an End of Service Benefit instead of a pension contribution. This lump sum is paid to the employee when they leave a role and can be used for retirement savings. To be eligible for this benefit, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate two continuous years of service.
End of Service Payments are generally calculated like this:
- 2 to 5 years of service: half a month’s salary for each year of service
- From 6 years onwards: one month’s salary for each year of service
Employee Discounts & Perks
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy is our discount program for employees around the globe, offering discounted food, drink and stays at Marriott properties.
Service Charges & Tips in Saudi Arabia
Tipping isn’t yet commonplace in Saudi Arabia, but where tips are given or service charges are paid, these are collected and distributed according to the specific hotel’s policy.
Bonuses For Associates in Saudi Arabia
Some of our associates in Saudi Arabia may be eligible for performance-based bonuses. Some employers may also choose to give out special holiday or Eid bonuses as a goodwill gesture to staff.
Annual Leave in Saudi Arabia
Marriott associates based in Saudi Arabia are entitled to 21 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. This increases to 30 calendar days of paid leave if the employee has completed five consecutive years with the same employer.
Sick Leave Policy for Marriott Saudi Arabia
Workers in Saudi Arabia can access 30 days of paid sick leave each year. If needed, they may be able to get a further 60 days on 75% of their usual pay, then 30 days unpaid. Employees will need to present a medical certificate explaining the illness and the recommended length of absence.
Maternity Leave in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia-based associates who have worked for us for at least one year can get 10 weeks of paid maternity leave, which can be started up to four weeks before the predicted due date. Mothers can claim a further month of unpaid leave if they need it for recovery or extra time with their new arrival. New mothers are entitled to one or two daily feeding breaks, or they can leave an hour early, for up to 24 months after their child is born.
Relocation Support to Saudi Arabia
For certain positions, there may be some relocation help available, but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Talk to us to find out more about relocation.
Salary Payment
Employees in Saudi Arabia receive a monthly salary in line with the country’s minimum wage guidelines. Internships are generally compensated with a stipend or monthly allowance, but this may vary depending on the arrangement. Contact us to find out more about salaries or internships.
Pay For Night Shifts & Overtime
Overtime hours, as well as work completed on rest days and public holidays, are usually compensated at 150% of the regular hourly wage, and night-shift workers may qualify for a different rate of pay. This will depend on the specific hotel policy, so ask us if you have any queries about pay.
Reference Checks For Applicants in Saudi Arabia
We’ll usually check elements of your employment and/or educational history by requesting at least one reference before confirming your start date with us.
Medical Screening in Saudi Arabia
Medical screening, including tests for any infectious diseases, is mandatory for expatriates, and will be carried out as part of the work visa or residency permit application. These usually take place in two parts: once in the home country, and once upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
On-Duty Meals in Saudi Arabia
Associates in our Saudi Arabian hotels get meals provided in the staff canteen while they’re on shift.
Uniform Allowance Policy
Our uniformed staff provide a great first impression to our guests. We supply all uniforms to the employees who need them in their roles.
Ways of Working in Saudi Arabia
Flexible & Remote Working
Most of our hotel roles require our associates to be on site and on fixed shifts to make sure the guest experience is seamless. That’s why flexible and remote working arrangements are not currently that common, although there may be some positions that can offer a bit more flexibility.
Full & Part-Time Working
Our full-time workers tend to work 48 hours a week, usually eight hours a day over six days. For Muslim employees, the working week is reduced to 36 hours a week (or six hours a day) during the holy month of Ramadan, to allow employees to meet their fasting and prayer requirements over this time.
We also have some part-time opportunities, plus casual contracts to cover peak seasons when we have more guests staying with us. We sometimes offer fixed-term contracts to cover maternity leave or other absences, or to manage shorter-term projects.
Probation Period
Depending on the contract, there’s usually a probation period of up to 90 days for new employees in Saudi Arabia. Note that this can be extended up to 180 days if both parties agree in writing.
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Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.
This aforementioned list provides a brief overview of benefits offered to eligible employees of Marriott International and participating subsidiaries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. All benefits are subject to terms and conditions. Marriott may, in its sole discretion, enhance, modify, decrease, or terminate any benefit program or any terms and conditions at any time without advance notice. Marriott benefits do not apply to employees of businesses operated by independent franchisees.
