SAUDI ARABIA 2025

The team at CORE, under the leadership of our International Associate Director Michelle Wells, has been actively engaged in the Middle East for over 15 years. 

Throughout this time, we’ve partnered with clients across the region—from Iraq to Dubai—placing mid-level to C-suite talent across a wide range of industries including hospitality, aviation, real estate, leisure, and retail. Our placements span diverse functions, from chefs to IT leaders, reflecting the breadth of our expertise and network.

Over the years, we've navigated market highs and lows, adapting quickly to ever-changing regional dynamics. At one point, nearly 80% of our international work stemmed from multiple clients in Kuwait. Today, that same market accounts for less than 1% of our placements. This fluidity underscores the need to remain agile, responsive, and deeply connected to the evolving landscape—delivering the right talent, at the right time, wherever it's needed.

Our journey in Saudi Arabia began around seven years ago. Since then, we’ve built a robust pipeline of exceptional Saudi candidates who not only understand our core sectors but are deeply aligned with the Kingdom’s national ambitions.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Vision 2030 is reshaping the country’s economic and cultural landscape, with hospitality and tourism emerging as key pillars of national growth. From giga-projects like NEOM and The Red Sea to the development of luxury resorts, heritage destinations, and world-class entertainment hubs, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global destination for travellers, investors, and talent. 

As this bold vision unfolds, we are proud to play our part—connecting forward-thinking organisations with passionate professionals who are helping shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sectors.