Saudi Arabia has a large and varied hospital landscape for international nurses. Here's a guide to the major employers, what makes each one different, and how to approach them.
Which Hospitals in Saudi Arabia Hire International Nurses?
Saudi Arabia's hospital network is vast — over 400 hospitals employing hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers, a significant proportion of whom are international staff. Knowing who the major employers are and what distinguishes them helps you target your application and negotiate the best possible package.
Ministry of Health (MOH) Hospitals
The Saudi Ministry of Health operates the country's largest hospital network — over 250 hospitals across all 13 regions of the Kingdom. MOH hospitals employ the largest number of international nurses.
Working conditions: Variable. MOH hospitals range from modern facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah to regional hospitals in less developed cities. Patient loads can be significant. Salary: Standardised MOH salary scales — generally SAR 4,500–6,500/month for staff nurses depending on experience. Accommodation: MOH provides compound-based accommodation for international staff. Contracts: Typically 2-year initial contracts with renewal options. How to apply: Through the MOH international recruitment portal, or via licensed recruitment agencies.
National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA)
NGHA operates a separate hospital network for Saudi National Guard personnel and their families. The flagship facility is King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (KAMC-R), one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the Middle East.
Working conditions: Excellent. NGHA is consistently rated as one of the better working environments for international nurses in Saudi Arabia. Salary: Above MOH standard — SAR 6,000–8,500/month for qualified nurses. Accommodation: Good-quality compounds with strong facilities. Requirements: Strong clinical background; specialist areas (ICU, NICU, OR) are particularly sought.
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King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC)
KFSH&RC is a landmark institution — the same hospital where the first successful heart transplant in the Middle East was performed. It operates facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah and is internationally affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston) and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Working conditions: Exceptional. Modern facilities, strong continuing education focus, and a research culture. Salary: Competitive, at the top end of Saudi nursing salaries. Requirements: Highly selective — typically requires 3+ years of experience in a relevant specialty. ICU, cardiac care, oncology, and transplant nursing are particular focuses. How to apply: Direct through KFSH&RC's international recruitment portal.
Private Hospital Groups
Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group: One of Saudi Arabia's largest and most successful private hospital networks. Modern facilities, strong investment in technology, and actively recruiting internationally.
Saudi German Hospitals: A large private network with hospitals across the Kingdom. International in orientation — many senior staff have trained or worked abroad.
Mouwasat Medical Services: A growing private group with facilities across multiple cities.
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH): Operates exclusively for Saudi Aramco employees and their families. Highly regarded, excellent working conditions, and a US academic medical centre affiliation.
How International Nurses Access Saudi Positions
Most international nurses are placed through specialist healthcare recruitment agencies — either in their home country or internationally. Direct applications are possible but less common, as the logistics of credential verification and visa processing are better managed through established relationships between recruiters and employers.
New World Immigration has direct relationships with Saudi hospital employers and manages the full placement process for nurses — from application and interview to credential processing, SCFHS licensing, and visa issuance.