70% Saudization for Project Management Jobs by Feb 2027

Private-sector establishments across Saudi Arabia will be required to localize 70% of their project management professions starting 14 February 2027, under a confirmed decision that raises earlier phased targets to a single higher threshold.

The requirement covers three roles classified under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations: Project Management Director, Project Management Engineer, and Project Management Specialist. It applies to all establishments that employ three or more workers in these professions, and the localization percentage is calculated at the entity level rather than

The move replaces an earlier plan that introduced localization in two stages — 35% in the first phase and 40% in the second. Both rates are now being superseded by the 70% target set for February 2027.

How Saudis are counted

To be counted toward the localization ratio, a Saudi employee's monthly wage registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance must be at least SAR 6,000. Saudis in these roles earning below that amount will not be included in the calculation.

A procedural guide issued by the competent ministry sets out the covered professions and occupation codes, the method for calculating localization rates, and the compliance and monitoring rules for establishments.

Compliance will be tracked through existing labor and employment systems used for Saudization decisions. The ratios are expected to affect work authorization and profession changes for expatriate employees in the affected roles, as well as establishment-level Saudization evaluations. Firms are advised to review their staffing and wage records well ahead of the deadline to remain compliant.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving