The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, has announced an increase in the localization rate for project management professions in the private sector to 70%, with the decision taking effect on February 14, 2027.
The decision applies to all private-sector establishments employing three or more workers in the targeted project management professions, at the entity level. The move is aimed at strengthening the participation of national talent in specialized professions and improving the efficiency of the labor market.
New 70% Localization Target
Under the new decision, the localization target for project management professions will rise to 70%, following earlier implementation phases that began at 35% and later increased to 40% under the previous 2023 decision. The earlier framework applied to private-sector establishments employing three or more workers in project management professions.
The new increase is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to localize specialized professions, empower national talent and strengthen workforce participation in line with the Kingdom’s labor market strategy and Vision 2030 objectives.
Professions Covered
The new decision covers the following professions:
- Project Management Director
- Project Management Engineer
- Project Management Specialist
The targeted roles are defined under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations, with the decision applying to covered establishments in accordance with the requirements outlined in the procedural guide.
Procedural Guide Issued
The ministry has also published a procedural guide detailing the professions covered, implementation mechanisms, localization calculation methods and compliance requirements, enabling private-sector establishments to prepare for the new requirements ahead of the effective date.
The decision marks another step in Saudi Arabia’s drive to localize specialized professions, with an increasing focus on empowering national talent in high-value roles related to project management and execution. It also supports the development of a more competitive labor market and greater participation of Saudi nationals in the private sector.
