Saudi Arabia Increases Saudization to 70% for Project Management Professions from February 2027
Updated: Aug 24
RIYADH, August 24, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has announced a significant increase in Saudization requirements for project management professions, effective February 14, 2027, raising the mandatory local workforce quota from 50% to 70%.
The announcement, published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) on August 24, 2026, is part of a broader push to replace foreign workers with Saudi nationals across key economic sectors.
Published: August 24, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
Saudization Requirements for Project Management
Aspect | Current Requirement | New Requirement |
Saudization Rate | 50% | 70% |
Effective Date | — | February 14, 2027 |
Professions Covered | Project Management | Project Management |
The new 70% target aims to increase the number of Saudi nationals employed in project management roles across the Kingdom's private sector.
Other Activities and Professions Affected
The ministry has also announced Saudization requirements for several other activities and professions, though specific details for each sector vary. Employers should review the official circulars for full requirements.
Recent Saudization Developments
June 2026: Enforcement for 16 Activities Paused
On June 25, 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the suspension of enforcement of Saudization decisions for 16 specific activities until further notice. This decision follows thorough analysis and multiple consultations with the private sector, delaying the previously announced April 2026 implementation.
2025: Automotive Sector Restrictions
In 2025, the ministry began implementing mandatory Saudization of automotive repair shops, preventing non-Saudis from opening new workshops in the sector.
2026: Project Management Expansion
July 2026: Saudization in project management was expanded to cover all sectors. The first phase targeted project management jobs in the private sector, with the Ministry announcing the decision in July 2023 and the implementation beginning in January 2024. The decision was extended to all sectors in 2026.
What Employers Should Do
Companies employing project managers in Saudi Arabia should:
Review their workforce to assess current Saudization levels
Develop recruitment plans to meet the 70% target by February 2027
Consider training programs for Saudi nationals in project management
Monitor ministry announcements for any further changes or clarifications
Plan for workforce adjustments to ensure compliance
Read Also
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Profession | Project Management |
Current Saudization Rate | 50% |
New Saudization Rate | 70% |
Effective Date | February 14, 2027 |
Announcement Date | August 24, 2026 |
Authority | Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development |
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This Saudization target will need sharper project governance and smarter resource allocation across HR and delivery teams. A practical resource on AI-driven project management tools that can help teams scale and optimize is https://www.epicflow.com/blog/excellent-ai-project-management-software-tools-setting-new-standards/ . Definitely worth a look for anyone managing the transition to 70% localization by 2027.
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