Saudi Arabia Plans 70% Saudization for Project Management Roles

Saudi Arabia is expected to raise Saudization requirements for covered project management roles to 70% from February 2027, signalling new workforce planning priorities for private-sector employers.

| Written by Palak Kataria

Image Courtesy: AI Generated by Editorial Team

Saudi Arabia is preparing to expand localisation within project management, with private-sector employers expected to face a 70% Saudization requirement for covered roles from 14 February 2027, according to reports on the planned measure.

The requirement is expected to apply to private-sector establishments employing three or more workers in covered project management professions, giving businesses time to prepare their workforce strategies ahead of the reported implementation date.

For employers, the development puts the focus firmly on talent planning.

If implemented as reported, companies affected by the requirement will need to ensure that Saudi professionals account for 70% of employees working in the designated project management roles. With the measure scheduled for 2027, organisations have an opportunity to assess their current workforce mix, strengthen recruitment pipelines and invest in developing Saudi project management talent.

Building Local Project Management Capability

The expected change would build on Saudi Arabia’s existing localisation framework for project management professions.

Official Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development guidance currently sets localisation at 40% in its second phase for establishments employing three or more workers in covered project management roles.

A move to 70%, if implemented according to the reported timeline, would therefore represent a substantial expansion of localisation within the profession.

For HR teams, preparation is likely to extend beyond recruitment. Developing internal talent, strengthening career pathways and supporting employees with relevant project management capabilities could become increasingly important as organisations work towards higher localisation levels.

The direction also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader emphasis on expanding opportunities for nationals across specialised private-sector professions.

For businesses, the period ahead provides valuable time to prepare. Rather than approaching localisation purely as a future compliance requirement, employers can use the transition to build stronger Saudi talent pipelines and develop the skills required for long-term workforce growth.

Source(s): Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development; reported details of the February 2027 localisation requirement.