Saudi Arabia IT Job Trends: What Skills are in High Demand?
In the past few years, there has been a considerable rise in IT spending in Saudi Arabia. This trend of digital transformation is expected to further increase both in private companies and government institutions.
In fact, digital advancement and the development of robust IT infrastructure is a key part of the Vision 2030 project launched by the Kingdom.
As the Saudi government is transitioning to digitization in most areas to enhance public services, there is a huge need for skilled IT personnel to fill these roles.
IT professionals who are looking to settle in Saudi Arabia and be a part of its fastest-growing tech industry need to know what skills are in demand. In this article, we will discuss these skills along with the expected salaries so stay with us till the end.
Here are the most in-demand IT skills according to the recent job market trends in Saudi Arabia
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cyber Security
- Network Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Digital Marketing Experts
- Web Developer
- IT Management
High-Demand IT Skills in Saudi Arabia
- Artificial Intelligence
AI has become a part and parcel of our everyday lives. Many Saudi companies have adopted AI-infused tools and platforms to automate their services and improve efficiency. Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT have revolutionized the way businesses operate.
Amidst all this, there is a huge need in Saudi Arabia for professionals who can leverage AI applications to increase overall productivity and provide superior customer service.
This is why it is a skill that you should look into if you are thinking of moving to the KSA. An Artificial intelligence professional can make as much as SAR 246,516 per year.
- Cyber Security
There is also a need for skilled cybersecurity experts who can manage end-point communication and maintain complex networks. These people should be skilled in managing device security and identifying system breaches as well.
Almost every firm in Saudi Arabia is looking to implement strong and foolproof security policies and practices to minimize threats. This has increased the demand for cybersecurity experts in almost every field in the region. As a cyber security manager in Saudi Arabia, you can expect to make SAR 18,000 to SAR 30,000 per month.
- Network Engineer
This is another in-demand job trend in Saudi Arabia that you definitely need to look into. As a network engineer, you need to be skilled in performing disaster recovery operations, installing network systems, investigating and removing network errors, and managing backups.
Network engineers can make on average about SAR 15,000 to SAR 20,000 per month in KSA.
- Cloud Engineer
Most of the skills related to IT are either directly or indirectly supported by cloud platforms. The roles of a cloud engineer involve creating cloud services and looking after their management.
They have to deal with planning, design, maintenance, and cloud support as well. If you are familiar with major cloud service providers and their business models, you can easily land a job as a cloud engineer in Saudi Arabia.
A cloud engineer can make SAR 15,000 to SAR 20,000 monthly in this region.
- Digital Marketing Expert
Digital marketing contains within it a wide range of skills that are aimed at promoting a company’s services and products through digital media and the Internet. Digital marketing includes search engine optimization, content marketing, social media marketing, affiliate marketing, and email marketing as its main roles.
Digital marketing experts can make SAR 9,000 to SAR 15,000 per month in Saudi Arabia.
- Web Developer
Another key skill in demand in the IT job market in Saudi Arabia involves the creation of websites and web-based applications. Web development further falls into two categories.
Frontend web development involves expertise in programming languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. These professionals mostly work on the client side and create web solutions for them.
Blackened development mostly involves servers’ management and skills in languages like PHP, and Python, databases like MongoDB, and frameworks like Laravel or Django.
You can either apply for these positions or you can become a full-stack developer who can handle every web development-related role. As a web developer, you can earn about SAR 50,000 to SAR 56,000 in KSA.
- IT Management
You can either work as an IT manager in a tech company or a non-tech organization and your roles will vary accordingly. If you are an IT manager in for example a software company then you will have to take care of things like overseeing IT operations, managing clients, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
On the other hand, if you work in a non-IT company then you need to work on skills like developing a sound IT infrastructure, troubleshooting, allocating IT budgets, and conducting regular system audits.
As an IT manager in Saudi Arabia, you can expect to make SAR 10,000 to SAR 15,000 per month.
Tips to Find High-Paying IT Jobs in Saudi Arabia
- Visit top-ranking job search websites to find what jobs are available.
- Engage with reputable recruitment agencies to explore more avenues.
- Craft a winning CV and ensure your resume is updated and tailored to the job you are applying for.
- Create a strong LinkedIn profile and interact with IT professionals and leading companies in KSA.
- Make a list of potential companies who are looking for the roles you can fulfill and apply.
- Take the time to cultivate good interview and communication skills and keep trying.
Conclusion
Almost every business and organization in Saudi Arabia is looking for talented and skilled IT professionals. If you have a background in IT then you can work on various skills like cyber security, IT management, cloud architecture and management, AI, and network engineering, etc. to open so many career paths for yourself.
The IT sector of Saudi Arabia is ripe with attractive job opportunities if you have the right skills and experience. This can put you way ahead in your career as an IT expert and help you utilize your potential to the fullest.
Visit Marc Ellis to discover the latest exciting IT job opportunities in KSA and UAE.