Saudi Arabia woos British lawyers with lavish incentives for Vision 2030 projects
Muhammad bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, during the trophy ceremony at King Abdulaziz Racetrack, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2023. (Reuters Photo)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is actively enticing British lawyers to contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitious megaprojects by offering compelling perks such as complimentary housing and coverage of their children’s private school fees.
State-owned enterprises in Saudi Arabia are leveraging these generous benefits to attract top talent from prestigious law firms to support Vision 2030, the Crown Prince’s transformative economic agenda.
Saudi Aramco, a flagship enterprise, is leading the charge by offering relocation allowances worth thousands of pounds, funding for international education for employees’ children, and free MBA programs. These incentives are part of efforts to recruit skilled professionals for projects like the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK).
Economic ambitions
The Kingdom’s recruitment drive underscores Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s strategy to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy through expansive infrastructure and energy projects, aiming to bolster legal expertise both domestically and through expatriate contributions.
While UK law firms have expanded into Saudi Arabia following recent legal reforms, they face challenges in competing with the alluring benefits offered by Saudi state-owned entities.
However, Saudi Arabia’s stance on on various human rights topics has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, highlighting a contentious issue amid the nation’s rapid economic development and global recruitment efforts.
