Project Management Saudization: 6,000 SAR Rule Still Stands

Employers and Saudi professionals in project management should note that, as of August 2026, the published Saudization decisions for these professions still require a minimum monthly salary of 6,000 SAR for a Saudi employee to be counted toward the sector's localization quota. Despite reports suggesting the threshold had been dropped, no current official circular or procedural update removes this requirement.

The affected roles include project management manager, projects manager, project management specialist, and business projects manager. Localization ratios for these professions apply in two phases: 35% Saudis from December 2023 and 40% from December 2024 for qualifying establishments, with both phases remaining in force in 2026.

How it differs from general Nitaqat

The 6,000 SAR figure is higher than the general Nitaqat baseline. Under updated rules, a Saudi worker must earn at least 4,000 SAR monthly to count as one full person toward Saudization. Those earning between 3,000 and 3,999 SAR count as half, while workers earning below 3,000 SAR are not counted at all.

Higher, profession-specific thresholds are common in other sectors too — for example, engineering roles range from 5,000 to 8,000 SAR, dentistry requires 9,000 SAR, and marketing 5,500 SAR — to count Saudis in those specialized quotas.

Why it matters

Compliance is tracked automatically. Establishments register their Saudi employees in the social insurance system (GOSI) with a contributory wage that meets the required minimum, then manage their localization ratios through the electronic labor platforms. Percentages and salary compliance are calculated from the registered headcount and wages.

For businesses, this means correctly registering wages at or above the 6,000 SAR mark is essential for project management staff to be counted. For Saudi jobseekers in these fields, it clarifies the salary level that qualifies a role toward the localization requirement.

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