S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Special Prosecutor Alleges Yoon Suk Yeol Sought North Korea Provocation to Justify Martial Law 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
U.S. Special Forces Intercept Ship Carrying Military Components Bound for Iran 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
International Stabilization Force for Gaza Nears Deployment as U.S.-Led Planning Advances 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Hong Kong Democratic Party Disbands After Member Vote Amid Security Crackdown 
U.S. Soldiers Killed in ISIS Attack in Palmyra, Syria During Counterterrorism Mission 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Syria Arrests Five Suspects After Deadly Attack on U.S. and Syrian Troops in Palmyra 
Saudi companies are reducing the generous salary premiums that once attracted top foreign talent, especially in construction, manufacturing, and other fast-growing industries. Recruiters say the shift comes as Saudi Arabia tightens spending and redirects investment priorities under its Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
For years, the kingdom offered lucrative packages—often 40% higher than candidates’ existing salaries—to fill skill gaps for massive megaprojects such as NEOM and Trojena. These initiatives fueled a surge in demand for international expertise but have recently encountered delays and escalating costs. With project awards slowing significantly in 2025 and public finances pressured by lower oil prices, employers are becoming more conservative, offering more realistic and data-driven compensation.
Recruitment specialists report that foreign workers can no longer expect the steep salary increases common earlier in the decade. Companies are now negotiating more cautiously, influenced by a growing pool of willing candidates and an increased focus on cost efficiency. While salaries in Saudi Arabia once stood far above those in the UAE, recruiters say the average difference is now just 5–8%, making it harder to lure workers from the UAE’s competitive, tax-free environment and established expatriate infrastructure.
The Public Investment Fund is also pivoting from real estate–heavy megaprojects toward higher-return sectors such as AI, digital technologies, logistics, and mining. As a result, current hiring is prioritizing these “hot jobs,” where budgets remain more flexible.
Despite these shifts, Saudi Arabia continues to attract global talent thanks to stronger economic growth compared to many other regions. Labour reforms have expanded opportunities for citizens, intensifying competition for roles as unemployment hits record lows. Experts say the evolving salary landscape reflects a more mature, sustainable market—one where workers seek clarity on compensation, lifestyle, and long-term purpose rather than short-term premium offers.
