Aim To report on the benefits of developing a new graduate programme for Saudi nurses at one hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Background With the national policy of Saudization of the workforce, the numbers of Saudi new graduate nurses (NGNs) seeking employment is increasing. Methods A project report outlining an educational needs analysis of Saudi NGNs, and the subsequent development and expansion of a New Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) utilizing a Practise Development framework. Competence and safe practise in Saudi NGNs was evaluated using two specifically designed tools: the Final Clinical Competence Evaluation and the Clinical Challenge. Results A three-phase structured NGDP was successfully implemented resulting in NGNs developing improved confidence and competence. They were judged as being safe to practise and more patient centred, as measured against the established performance indicators. Conclusion Adopting a practise Development (PD) framework provided a clear structure and direction for the NGDP. Implications for nursing management Nurse Managers who invest human, financial and education resources into developing new graduate nurses are likely to retain such staff longer. In the Middle Eastern context, such investment is likely to rapidly promote the goal of increasing the number of indigenous nationals working as nurses.