Saudi Arabia has seen rapid economic growth and development over the past few decades. This has led to the emergence of many promising companies across various industries that provide great opportunities for career advancement and growth. With a young and talented population entering the workforce, Saudi companies are looking to recruit the best talent.
For job seekers and young professionals, it can be tough to identify which companies are the best places to work at. Professional networking platform LinkedIn provides valuable insights into companies through employee engagement, job opportunities, and reviews. Leveraging this data can help identify the most attractive employers in Saudi Arabia.
Some of the key factors that make an organization a great place to work include:
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Opportunities for career development and learning
- Work-life balance through flexible policies
- Inclusive and collaborative culture
- Strong leadership and vision
- Emphasis on employee wellbeing and satisfaction
In this article, we will look at the top companies to work for in Saudi Arabia based on LinkedIn data and reviews.
Methodology
To identify the top employers, companies were evaluated based on the following parameters:
- LinkedIn followers – Total followers indicates brand awareness and interest
- Employee engagement – Measured by interactions like comments and likes by employees
- Job openings – Frequent openings indicate growth and demand for talent
- Employee reviews – Provide insights into work culture, satisfaction, policies etc.
Both local conglomerates as well as multinational corporations with operations in Saudi Arabia were considered based on this criteria. Greater weightage was given to employee engagement and reviews on LinkedIn to identify workplaces that have built a strong employer brand and have satisfied employees.
Top Companies in Saudi Arabia LinkedIn
Based on the metrics and methodology outlined above, here are the top companies to work for in Saudi Arabia:
1. Saudi Aramco
Saudi Aramco is Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company and one of the largest oil producers worldwide. The company generates tremendous employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and provides competitive pay and benefits.
- LinkedIn followers: 1.3 million
- Employee engagement: Very high
- Job openings: Frequent job postings, with over 1000 current openings
- Reviews: Employees highlight training programs, work-life balance, exposure to latest technologies
With a global operational footprint, Saudi Aramco allows employees to gain international experience as well. The company is focused on national development and invests heavily in training and upskilling Saudi talent.
2. Al Rajhi Bank
Al Rajhi Bank is one of the largest banks in Saudi Arabia with the most extensive branch network. The bank provides conventional and sharia-compliant banking products and services.
- LinkedIn followers: over 400,000
- Employee engagement: High
- Job openings: Over 100 current openings
- Reviews: Competitive pay, strong training, merit-based culture
Al Rajhi bank has developed a strong reputation as an employer focused on employee training and development. The bank provides opportunities to take on diverse roles and progress within the organization.
3. STC
Saudi Telecom Company (STC) is the largest telecommunications services provider in Saudi Arabia and has grown regionally as well.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 780,000
- Employee engagement: Very high
- Job openings: Over 500 current openings
- Reviews: Professional work environment, career growth opportunities
STC has built a strong brand image and is seen as an innovative technology company providing stable careers in the telecom sector. The company is focused on national development and empowering Saudi youth.
4. Almarai
Almarai is the largest food and beverage manufacturing and distribution company in the Middle East. The company produces a wide range of dairy, juice, bakery and poultry products.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 160,000
- Employee engagement: High
- Job openings: Over 100 current openings
- Reviews: Professional environment, good work-life balance
Almarai provides strong opportunities for professional development, learning and growth within the F&B industry. Employees highlight the collaborative culture and emphasis on employee satisfaction.
5. Saudi British Bank (SABB)
SABB is one of the leading banks in Saudi Arabia and provides conventional and Islamic banking services. The bank has a strong reputation as an employer.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 160,000
- Employee engagement: High
- Job openings: Over 100 current openings
- Reviews: Strong training programs, merit-based culture
The bank provides good opportunities for skills development and career advancement within the banking and financial services sector in Saudi Arabia.
6. Al Bilad Bank
Al Bilad Bank is one of the fastest growing banks in Saudi Arabia with a growing branch network across the country.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 110,000
- Employee engagement: High
- Job openings: Over 100 current openings
- Reviews: Focus on employee training and development
The bank provides a good environment for fresh graduates to start their career in the banking sector and gain diverse experiences. Employees highlight the training and mentoring culture.
7. Saudi Airlines (SAUD)
Saudi Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Saudi Arabia and the third largest carrier in the Middle East. The airline provides stable aviation careers.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 280,000
- Employee engagement: High
- Job openings: Over 300 current openings
- Reviews: Opportunities to gain experience in aviation industry
Saudia focuses on national talent development by recruiting Saudi nationals and providing rigorous training. Employees highlight the opportunity to develop diverse skills within the airline.
8. Advanced Electronics Company (AEC)
AEC is a Saudi technology company focused on providing technology and electronics services.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 160,000
- Employee engagement: High
- Job openings: Over 100 current openings
- Reviews: Good environment to start technology career
AEC is seen as an employer providing good opportunities for professional development within the technology industry. The company has an innovative culture and emphasis on developing national capabilities.
9. Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)
Saudi Electricity Company is the main producer and distributor of power in Saudi Arabia. The company plays a key role in supporting national development.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 190,000
- Employee engagement: Moderate
- Job openings: Over 200 current openings
- Reviews: Stable employer with good benefits
SEC provides engineers and professionals stable careers in the energy sector in Saudi. The company is focused on training and developing technical capabilities among Saudi nationals.
10. National Commercial Bank (NCB)
NCB is one of the largest banks in Saudi Arabia and a leading financial services institution in the region.
- LinkedIn followers: Over 220,000
- Employee engagement: Moderate
- Job openings: Over 100 current openings
- Reviews: Strong training programs, professional work environment
NCB is seen as a stable employer providing good opportunities to build a career in banking and financial services in Saudi Arabia and the region.
Factors Contributing to Positive Employee Perception
Analyzing the top companies based on LinkedIn data and reviews provides insights into key factors that contribute to employee satisfaction in Saudi Arabia:
- Investment in training and development – Top employers provide rigorous training programs and opportunities for skills development.
- Merit-based culture – Leading companies are focused on performance and merit rather than seniority or connections.
- Work-life balance – Providing a good work-life balance and family-friendly policies improves employee satisfaction.
- Career growth – Opportunities for rotation across departments and functions allows professional development.
- Collaborative culture – Approachable leadership and teamwork enhances employee experience.
- Competitive compensation – Attractive pay and benefits makes employer more desirable.
National talent development is also a key priority for major Saudi companies like Aramco, STC, banks and airlines. This provides good opportunities for young Saudis to start their careers.
Key Industry Sectors
Some of the major industries providing good employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia include:
- Oil and Gas – Saudi Aramco is the dominant employer with massive hiring across functions.
- Banking and Financial Services – Banks like Al Rajhi, SABB, NCB provide promising careers.
- Telecommunications – STC is seen as an attractive employer in the telecom sector.
- Aviation – Saudi Airlines provides good aviation industry opportunities.
- FMCG – Major companies like Almarai and Savola provide strong FMCG careers.
Other promising sectors are healthcare, education, retail, construction and technology. Each industry provides unique opportunities to build skills and advance professionally.
Conclusion
The rapid transformation of the Kingdom’s economy has created abundant employment opportunities across diverse sectors. Using LinkedIn data provides valuable insights into employers based on metrics like engagement, openings and reviews.
Top companies in Saudi Arabia like Aramco, STC, Al Rajhi Bank, SABB and Almarai have built strong reputations and satisfy employees through training, work culture, compensation and opportunities for growth. Focus on national talent development provides good scope for fresh graduates and young professionals.
Job seekers should evaluate company reputation, openings in desired field and advancement potential when identifying prospective employers in Saudi Arabia. The leading organizations highlight the key factors like training, merit-based culture and work-life balance that contribute to positive employee perception.