Which Project Management Roles Will Be Affected by Saudi Arabia’s 70% Localization Decision?
Saudi Arabia will introduce a 70% localization requirement for selected project management professions from 14 February 2027. The decision covers three specific roles: Project Management Director, Project Management Engineer and Project Management Specialist.
For employers, the key issue is understanding which positions fall within the requirement and reviewing how these roles are currently structured within the organization.
Project Management Director
This senior-level role is specifically included in the localization decision. Companies should review employees whose registered occupation falls under Project Management Director and assess how these positions fit within their current workforce structure.
Project Management Engineer
Project Management Engineer is also covered. This is particularly relevant for companies managing engineering, construction, infrastructure and other project-based operations where project management and technical functions often overlap.
Employers should review the official occupation recorded for the employee, rather than relying only on the internal job title or responsibilities.
Project Management Specialist
The third affected role is Project Management Specialist. Companies with project teams should check whether employees performing project coordination or specialist project management functions are registered under this occupation.
The requirement applies at the entity level, making an accurate review of the company’s workforce records important before assessing its localization position.
What Employers Should Review
Companies should start with three questions:
- Which employees are currently registered under the three affected occupations?
- Does the organization have three or more employees in these targeted professions?
- How will upcoming recruitment and project expansion change the workforce?
This review is particularly important for companies planning new projects or expanding their Saudi operations. Understanding the affected positions before recruitment begins gives employers more time to incorporate localization into their workforce plans.
Pangea can support companies in reviewing their Saudi workforce structure and planning recruitment and expansion requirements in line with applicable localization requirements.
