Saudi Arabia will introduce a 70% Saudization rate for project management professions in the private sector from February 14, 2027.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the decision on August 16. It will implement the policy in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider drive to increase the participation of Saudi nationals in specialised professions. It also supports the country’s Labour Market Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
70% Saudization to apply to project management roles
The new Saudization rate will apply to private sector establishments that employ three or more workers in the targeted project management professions.
The ministry will calculate the 70% rate at the entity level. Therefore, employers covered by the decision will need to review their project management workforce ahead of the February 2027 deadline.
The policy covers the following professions under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations:
- Project Management Director
- Project Management Engineer
- Project Management Specialist
The ministry said the decision applies to all establishments that fall within its scope.
Employers to prepare for new compliance rules
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has also issued a procedural guide for employers.
The guide explains the professions covered by the decision. It also sets out how employers should calculate the Saudization rate.
In addition, the document outlines the implementation process and compliance requirements.
Employers can use the guide to assess their current workforce and identify any gaps before the policy takes effect.
Saudi Arabia expands localisation of specialised jobs
The latest decision adds project management to Saudi Arabia’s growing list of specialised professions targeted by localisation policies.
The government has been increasing the employment of Saudi nationals across professional and technical roles. These measures aim to strengthen national skills while improving participation in the private sector.
Moreover, the project management decision comes as Saudi Arabia continues to develop major infrastructure, construction, housing and development projects under Vision 2030.
Project management professionals play a key role in delivering these projects. As a result, the new requirement could increase demand for Saudi talent with project planning, delivery and management skills.
What the 70% Saudization rule means for employers
Private sector employers covered by the decision will need to review their project management positions before February 14, 2027.
They should first identify employees working in the three professions covered by the policy. Next, employers will need to assess their current Saudi workforce against the required 70% rate.
Companies that fall below the required level may need to adjust their hiring and workforce plans before the deadline.
The procedural guide will be the key reference for employers as they prepare for implementation.
Saudi Vision 2030 and workforce localisation
The decision reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on developing national talent and increasing Saudi participation in the labour market.
According to the ministry, the policy will help strengthen national competencies and improve labour market efficiency.
It also forms part of broader efforts to support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Labour Market Strategy.
