Project Management Localisation Rate to Rise to 70% in Saudi Arabia

The localisation rate for project management professions in Saudi Arabia’s private sector will rise to 70% from February 14th, 2027.

The requirement will apply at the entity level to establishments employing three or more workers in the targeted professions, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.

The covered roles are Project Management Director, Project Management Engineer and Project Management Specialist, as defined under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations.

The 70% target builds on earlier localisation phases introduced under a 2023 decision, which initially set the rate at 35% before raising it to 40%.

A procedural guide has been issued for private-sector establishments ahead of implementation, outlining the professions covered, calculation methods, compliance requirements and mechanisms for applying the new threshold.