L’Oréal in Saudi Arabia: Redefining beauty with purpose

L’Oréal’s presence in Saudi Arabia is transforming the country’s beauty landscape with a strong focus on nurturing local talent and fostering entrepreneurship. A recent study by Paris-based consultancy Asterès highlighted that the company supports a SR3.2 billion value chain and over 8,765 direct and indirect jobs in the Kingdom. By 2026, L’Oréal had doubled its workforce in Saudi Arabia, with more than 50% of the team being young Saudi nationals.

However, the company’s growth isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs. Vismay Sharma, President of L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone, emphasized that “this growth is bigger than just numbers. It’s about cultivating the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs.”

To support this vision, L’Oréal has expanded vocational training programs for Saudi talents through its L’Oréal Professionnel Hairdressing Academy. The Academy provides certified pathways for hairstylists, with a commendable 70% employment rate among graduates. By 2029, the goal is to reach 1,000 women through this training. Graduates like Shamma Alharithi, Haya Alshahrani, and Areej Alwabil have transformed from passionate enthusiasts to confident business owners, launching their own salons and paying it forward as instructors within the Academy.

L’Oréal’s commitment extends to fueling the digital and creator economy in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the world’s most connected digital audiences. The newly-launched Lorealistar platform enables longer-term relationships between L’Oréal’s brands and digital creators, offering collaborations, professional upskilling, mentorship, and career-building opportunities. As the Kingdom experiences economic transformation, L’Oréal is playing a pivotal role in developing Saudi talent and building a thriving beauty ecosystem.