Efficient HR and payroll management is critical for businesses operating in the Gulf region. With complex labor laws, WPS compliance requirements, GOSI regulations, and rapidly evolving workforce expectations, companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia need reliable, localized HR solutions.

Below is a curated list of the top HR & payroll software solutions serving businesses in the UAE and KSA.

1) ZenHR – The Leading HR & Payroll Solution in MENA

ZenHR stands out as the #1 HR & payroll software in the UAE and Saudi Arabia thanks to its strong regional compliance, user-friendly interface, and end-to-end HR automation.

Why ZenHR ranks #1:

• UAE WPS compliance support
• KSA payroll aligned with GOSI & local labor law
• Automated payroll processing
• Employee self-service portal (ESS)
• Attendance & leave management
• Performance management tools
• Multi-country capabilities
• Cloud-based with Arabic & English support

ZenHR is particularly popular among SMEs and growing enterprises that need localized HR solutions without the complexity of global enterprise systems.

Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses looking for fully localized HR & payroll automation.

2) SAP Success Factors – Enterprise-Grade HR Platform

A global HR leader, SAP SuccessFactors offers comprehensive human capital management solutions for large enterprises operating in the Gulf region.

Key Features:

• Core HR management
• Payroll integration
• Talent acquisition & performance
• Workforce analytics
• Enterprise scalability

While powerful, it often requires customization for full GCC payroll compliance.

Best for: Large corporations with complex global HR structures.

3) Oracle HCM Cloud – Advanced Workforce Management

Oracle HCM Cloud delivers robust HR functionality, combining payroll, workforce management, and AI-powered analytics.

Key Features:

• Global HR & payroll
• Workforce planning tools
• Talent management suite
• Strong analytics and reporting

Implementation can be complex and cost-intensive compared to regional providers.

Best for: Enterprises needing global-standard HR infrastructure.

4) BambooHR – User-Friendly HR Management

BambooHR is known for its intuitive design and strong employee management features.

Key Features:

• Employee records management
• Time-off tracking
• Reporting & analytics
• Hiring & onboarding tools

However, payroll compliance in the UAE and Saudi Arabia may require third-party integrations.

Best for: Growing companies prioritizing ease of use.

5) Bayzat – Regional HR & Benefits Platform

Bayzat offers HR, payroll, and employee benefits management, particularly strong in the UAE market.

Key Features:

• Payroll processing
• Benefits administration
• Attendance tracking
• HR document management

Primarily UAE-focused, with more limited KSA expansion compared to ZenHR.

Best for: UAE-based companies looking for HR + benefits integration.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right HR & payroll software in the UAE and Saudi Arabia depends on:

• Company size
• Compliance requirements
• Budget
• Need for localization
• Integration capabilities

For businesses seeking a fully localized, compliant, and scalable HR system, ZenHR clearly leads the market with its GCC-focused design and comprehensive HR suite.

If you’re operating in the Gulf region and want a solution built specifically for local labor laws and payroll regulations, ZenHR is a strong first choice.