The Saudi Arabia aims to provide around 300,000 jobs in the hospitality sector to its nationals - both men and women - in the kingdom as part of its nationalisation drive, said a report.

The Ministry of Labour is co-ordinating with a number of establishments, colleges and government institutes in the hospitality sector to put the plan in action, reported the Arab News, citing a senior government official.

"As per the plan, the government will recruit young Saudi men and women at a salary of SR5,000 ($1,332). But the employees should pledge not to leave work until their contract has ended," stated Abdulmunif Makki, the chairman of the Hospitality Committee in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce.

He pointed out that the hospitality sector - mainly the restaurants and hotels - was challenged with the rising number of employees absconding after securing jobs.

According to him, the nationalisation rate in the sector has risen to 25 per cent, with the average employment of women hitting five per cent.

There is a growing interest in employing women because of their high expertise in marketing products on social media websites, added Makki.