Hiring seasonal workers in Saudi Arabia isn’t just about filling vacancies quickly — it’s about finding reliable, skilled individuals who can help your business run smoothly during its busiest times, like Ramadan, Hajj, or Eid. Whether you run a hotel, retail store, or logistics company, this step-by-step guide will help you build the right seasonal team with confidence.
Know Exactly What You Need
Before you start hiring, get crystal clear on your requirements:
- Type of work: Hospitality? Logistics? Retail?
- Number of workers: How many extra hands are needed?
- Duration: Are they needed for a few days, weeks, or months?
Example Checklist
- 4 housekeeping staff – July & August (Hajj season)
- 6 sales assistants – Ramadan shopping rush
- 2 forklift drivers – Warehouse operations for Eid
This clarity will make your hiring process smoother and more targeted.
Write Clear and Specific Job Descriptions
A good job description sets the right expectations from the start. It should answer questions a worker might have before applying.
Include the following details:
- Job title
- Duties and responsibilities
- Duration of the job
- Working hours and shifts
- Location
- Pay and any benefits
Example:
Job Title: Delivery Driver
Duration: 2 weeks during Eid
Location: Riyadh
Shift: Evening (4 PM to Midnight)
Duties: Package delivery within city limits
Pay: SAR 2500 + overtime + daily meal allowance
Start Hiring Early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Seasonal workers are in high demand, especially during peak times like Hajj or Ramadan.
Tip: Begin your recruitment at least 4–6 weeks in advance to allow time for sourcing, screening, paperwork, and basic training.
Use the Right Hiring Channels
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — choose a mix of platforms that suit your business size, industry, and location.
a. Recruitment Agencies in Saudi Arabia
A reliable recruitment agency is your best partner for seasonal hiring. Here’s how they help:
- Provide pre-screened, verified workers
- Handle visa and legal paperwork
- Offer industry-specific expertise (hospitality, logistics, etc.)
- Help ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws
- Reduce your time-to-hire significantly
Working with recruiters can help you avoid bad hires and ensure smooth operations during peak seasons.
b. Online Job Portals
Some recommended platforms include:
- Bayt.com
- Naukri Gulf
- Indeed Gulf
These platforms let you post jobs and access a wide pool of applicants. However, it may take longer to find the right fit unless you have an internal HR team.
c. Local Referrals and Community Networks
Ask your current employees or partners to refer trusted people. Local mosques, WhatsApp groups, and community bulletin boards often have job seekers looking for temporary work.
d. Vocational Schools and Training Institutes
Partnering with local technical colleges and institutes can be a great way to find entry-level seasonal workers who are eager to prove themselves.
Screen Candidates Carefully
Even for short-term roles, a poor hire can lead to delays, customer complaints, or safety issues.
How to screen effectively:
- Conduct quick interviews (phone or in-person)
- Check past experience or references
- Ask availability and attitude-based questions
Sample Interview Questions:
- Have you worked during Hajj or Ramadan before?
- Can you handle long or night shifts?
- How do you deal with angry customers or pressure?
Train Your Seasonal Staff
Invest a little time in onboarding and training. It pays off in better service and fewer mistakes.
Quick Training Checklist:
- Orientation about your company
- Job-specific instructions
- Safety and hygiene guidelines
- Tips for handling customers
Even 1–2 hours of focused training can make a seasonal worker feel confident and perform better.
Treat Seasonal Workers with Respect
A good working environment leads to happy and productive workers. When you treat your seasonal team fairly, they’re more likely to:
- Return next year
- Refer others
- Stay loyal and motivated
Small gestures matter — daily meals, thank-you notes, bonuses, or end-of-season certificates can make a big impact.
Stay Compliant with Saudi Labor Laws
Avoid legal complications by ensuring:
- Workers have valid contracts
- They are paid on time
- Work hours and rest breaks follow labor laws
- Safety measures are in place
Recruitment agencies can ensure all compliance and documentation is correctly handled, especially if you’re hiring foreign seasonal workers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few pitfalls that many employers face:
- Hiring too late
- Not having a job description
- Skipping contracts
- No onboarding or training
- Overworking or underpaying staff
Avoid these, and your seasonal workforce will contribute positively to your business success.
Why Work with a Recruitment Agency in Saudi Arabia?
Still unsure about managing everything on your own? Here’s how Saudi recruitment agencies make your job easier:
- Faster hiring with ready-to-work candidates
- Better quality workers who are pre-verified and skilled
- Time-saving — no need to handle sourcing or screening
- Legal protection and compliance support
- Industry-specific hiring experience
Whether you’re hiring for Hajj in Makkah, Ramadan events in Jeddah, or a retail rush in Riyadh — an experienced recruiter can connect you with the right workers fast.
Final Thoughts
Finding reliable seasonal workers in Saudi Arabia doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, a clear process, and possibly the help of a professional recruiter, you can build a dependable team to support your busiest seasons.
Remember:
- Define your needs early
- Communicate clearly
- Train and treat workers well
- Partner with a recruitment agency for efficiency and compliance
Need Help? Let a Trusted Recruitment Agency Support You
If you’re short on time or don’t want to risk hiring the wrong people, let a licensed manpower supply company in Saudi Arabia handle the heavy lifting. They can find, screen, and onboard the right seasonal talent — quickly and legally — so you can focus on running your business.