- King Salman has approved a package of financial support measures for Saudi citizens ahead of new utility tariffs
- Retirees and eligible beneficiaries are among those set to receive a monthly allowance increase named in the directive
- The announcement also targets private sector workers, with minimum wage thresholds under Saudisation rules set to rise
Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved a set of financial relief measures for citizens, including retirees, ahead of planned adjustments to electricity and water consumption tariffs taking effect on January 1, 2027.
The directive, issued on October 25, 2026, in Riyadh, followed a proposal by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
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It was announced alongside notices from Saudi Energy and the National Water Company regarding the forthcoming tariff changes.
Saudi Arabia: Monthly allowance for retirees and public workers
Under the approved measures, retirees and eligible beneficiaries of deceased subscribers or retirees under the Social Insurance system will receive a monthly allowance increase of SAR500 (approximately N180,385).
The same monthly increase applies to civilian and military personnel across civil service salary scales and those on operational programme contracts.
Families currently receiving Social Security benefits will also be entitled to a monthly stipend of SAR500 (approximately N180,385), to be disbursed through existing regulatory channels as a buffer against the impact of the revised utility tariffs.
Saudi Arabia: Private sector wage floors to rise
The package extends to Saudis employed in the private sector. Under the Nitaqat Saudisation programme, which sets requirements for the proportion of Saudi nationals companies must employ, the minimum qualifying wage will be raised to SAR5,000 (approximately N1,803,850) six months after the measures come into force.
A further increase to SAR6,000 (approximately N2,164,620) will follow twelve months after the first adjustment.
The government described the wage floor changes as a step towards boosting earnings for Saudi nationals and strengthening long-term employment in the private sector.
Legit.ng reported that Saudi Arabia listed nine benefits foreigners will enjoy via its premium residence permit.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that Saudi Arabia had set a date for changes to its electricity and water tariffs.
Saudi Arabia raises wage for private sector workers
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Saudi Arabia increased its minimum wage for private sector workers and raised their monthly allowance.
Under the directive, civilian and military personnel on civil service salary scales, as well as those on operational programme contracts, will receive a SAR500 (approximately ₦180,383) increase in their monthly allowances.
Retirees and eligible beneficiaries of deceased subscribers or retirees under the Social Insurance system are also covered by this provision.
Source: Legit.ng