Saudi Arabia to Require 70% Saudization in Project Management Jobs From 2027

Saudi Arabia will introduce a 70 percent Saudization requirement for a range of project management professions from February 14, 2027, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals in the private sector.

The new requirement will cover project management directors, engineers, specialists and other related roles. The decision was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.

The ministries said the measure is designed to create more employment opportunities for Saudi men and women, attract specialised national talent and strengthen the competitiveness of the labour market.

Authorities also expect the policy to encourage companies to invest more in professional training and development, particularly for employees working in specialised project management positions.

The latest decision is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 programme, which aims to increase the participation of Saudi citizens in the private-sector workforce and reduce dependence on foreign labour in specialised professions.

Saudi unemployment among citizens has declined substantially over the past decade. The rate fell from 12.3 percent in 2016 to 7 percent in 2024 before rising slightly to 7.2 percent in 2025, remaining close to the Vision 2030 target of 7 percent.

The project management measure follows several other localisation policies introduced in recent months across different sectors.

Since May 31, Saudi authorities have enforced a 70 percent Saudization rate for 12 procurement-related professions. The affected positions include procurement managers, procurement specialists and warehouse managers.

Tourism professions have also faced localisation requirements. The first phase, introduced in April, set Saudization rates of 100 percent, 70 percent and 50 percent depending on the profession. Marketing and sales positions were also subject to a 60 percent requirement for companies employing at least three workers in the targeted occupations.

In January, the second phase of dental profession localisation increased the required Saudization rate to 55 percent. Saudi dentists counted toward the quota must earn at least SR9,000 per month and hold valid professional accreditation.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the localisation programme is intended to match employment opportunities with the number of Saudi jobseekers who have relevant qualifications and experience.

Officials also said the policies would help businesses prepare for future workforce needs while strengthening the skills and participation of Saudi nationals.

Employers affected by the new project management requirement will need to review their staffing structures and ensure compliance before the February 2027 deadline.

The latest measure highlights the Kingdom’s continuing drive to localise specialised occupations and create a larger role for Saudi professionals across the private sector.