L'Oréal to double Saudi workforce in 2026 as it accelerates growth and innovation

L'Oréal Group continues its growth trajectory in Saudi Arabia, planning to double its Saudi workforce during 2026, with young national talent expected to account for more than half of its local team. This expansion reflects the Kingdom's growing strategic importance for L'Oréal, alongside increased investment in developing local talent, vocational education in the beauty sector, support for the content creator community, and the enhancement of sustainable infrastructure.

A visit by Vismay Sharma, President of L'Oréal South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, to the Saudi market underscored the group's commitment to long-term growth in the Kingdom and support for the country's ambitious transformation agenda.

Commenting on the visit, Vismay Sharma said: "Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic beauty markets in our region and continues to strengthen its position as a strategically important market for L'Oréal. Amid the Kingdom's rapid economic transformation, we are investing in Saudi talent, opening new avenues for entrepreneurship, and supporting the growth and prosperity of the beauty sector. Doubling our Saudi workforce reflects our confidence in the Kingdom's future and our commitment to a long-term presence."

The visit also highlighted L'Oréal's key milestones in Saudi Arabia, its economic and social impact, and its efforts to empower youth and women, as well as promote sustainability and digital innovation.

Growing economic and social impact: Saudis now make up over half of L'Oréal's team in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid economic growth, creating promising opportunities for global companies to invest and contribute to the national economy. In this context, L'Oréal plans to double its Saudi workforce during 2026, with young national talent expected to represent more than half of its team in the Kingdom.

An independent study by Paris-based consultancy Asterès found that L'Oréal's operations in the Kingdom support 8,765 direct and indirect jobs, with sales reaching 3.2 billion Saudi riyals (SAR), backed by a wide network of suppliers, distributors, and service partners.

L'Oréal expands vocational training for Saudi women, targets 1,000 graduates by 2029

L'Oréal continues to support Saudi women and strengthen their presence in the workforce through the L'Oréal Professionnel Academy for hairdressing. The academy recently celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of Saudi female hairdressers, bringing the total number of graduates since the program's launch to 200.

The academy offers accredited vocational training in partnership with leading local universities, recognized by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and supported by the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), opening promising career prospects in the hairdressing sector. The academy aims to train and certify more than 1,000 Saudi women by 2029.

Supporting Saudi content creators: official launch of L'Oréalistar platform

L'Oréal is further supporting the growth of the content creator community in Saudi Arabia with the launch of L'Oréalistar, the group's first platform in the Kingdom connecting creators with several of its brands.

L'Oréalistar marks a new chapter in L'Oréal's relationship with content creators, investing in local talent and building sustainable partnerships to support their development. The platform welcomes Saudi beauty creators with at least 1,000 followers, offering them opportunities to develop their skills, experience L'Oréal brands through exclusive events, and collaborate with the group in the long term.

Driving beauty tech innovation: L'Oréal showcases latest advances at LEAP 2025
 At LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, L'Oréal Group showcased its latest beauty technology innovations at one of the world's leading tech gatherings. L'Oréal stood out as the only beauty tech company at the event, presenting more than 20 AI-powered innovations that combine sustainability and inclusivity to deliver personalized solutions.

The group's presence at LEAP 2025 included a series of panel discussions featuring senior executives, addressing key trends shaping the future of the beauty sector. The participation reflected L'Oréal's vision for the region's beauty industry, through its innovations and collaborations with promising Saudi startups as part of open innovation initiatives.

L'Oréal advances sustainability with Jeddah office earning LEED certification 

Alongside its investments in local talent and support for content creators, L'Oréal continues to take concrete steps toward sustainability goals in the Kingdom.

L'Oréal's new office at the Saleh Kamel Business Center in Jeddah has received LEED certification for commercial interiors, recognizing its advanced standards for workplace efficiency and sustainability, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative. This achievement underscores L'Oréal's commitment to making sustainability a core part of its business environment, supporting the Kingdom's drive for more efficient resource use.

In this context, Laurent Duffier, Managing Director of L'Oréal Saudi Arabia said: "We are committed to ensuring our growth in the Kingdom translates into tangible impact, by investing in Saudi talent, expanding career opportunities for women, supporting the content creator community, and helping build a more sustainable beauty sector. We are proud of our achievements so far, and as the Kingdom's strategic importance grows for the group, we look forward to continuing this journey and expanding our impact in partnership with our stakeholders and communities across Saudi Arabia."

About L'Oréal Saudi Arabia

L'Oréal Saudi Arabia has operated in the Kingdom since 2012, establishing itself as a leading company in the beauty sector with a portfolio of 31 global brands catering to diverse consumer needs across consumer, professional, luxury, and skincare categories. The company continues to contribute to the Kingdom's beauty sector in line with economic transformation and national priorities.

Key initiatives include the L'Oréal Professionnel Academy for hairdressing, the L'Oréalistar platform for content creators, and community programs empowering women, expanding opportunities for youth, and supporting sustainable growth nationwide. In 2026, L'Oréal Saudi Arabia was named among the top 10 best places to work in the Kingdom by Great Place to Work® Middle East, after ranking second in 2025.

For more information, please visit https://www.loreal.com/en/middle-east/