Construction Project Manager Jobs in Saudi Arabia with High-Paying Opportunities in 2026

550 open jobs for Construction project manager in Saudi Arabia on Glassdoor.

1,784 current vacancies for sponsorship construction jobs.

Why Saudi Arabia Needs Construction Project Managers:

Vision 2030 is driving unprecedented construction activity:

• NEOM mega-city development
• Red Sea tourism projects
• Qiddiya entertainment city
• Diriyah Gate cultural development
• Infrastructure expansion across all major cities
• Industrial zone development
• Sports facilities for 2034 World Cup preparation

This isn’t short-term demand – these are multi-year, multi-billion dollar projects requiring experienced project management professionals.

Salary Expectations: What You’ll Actually Earn

Average Salaries:

The average salary for a Project Manager, Construction in Saudi Arabia is SAR 164,172 in 2025.

The average construction project manager salary in Saudi Arabia is 236,153 ر.س.‏ or an equivalent hourly rate of 114 ر.س.

Salary by Experience and Project Type:

Experience Level	Monthly Salary (SAR)	Annual Salary (SAR)	USD Equivalent
Junior PM (3-5 years)	12,000 – 15,000	144,000 – 180,000	$38K – $48K
Mid-Level PM (5-10 years)	15,000 – 20,000	180,000 – 240,000	$48K – $64K
Senior PM (10-15 years)	20,000 – 30,000	240,000 – 360,000	$64K – $96K
Principal PM (15+ years)	30,000 – 40,000+	360,000 – 480,000+	$96K – $128K+

ARAMCO-Approved Project Managers:

Construction Manager in Saudi ARAMCO construction projects with ARAMCO approval requires 10-15 years total experience and 5-7 years as Construction Manager.

ARAMCO-approved managers command premium salaries: SAR 25,000-45,000 monthly due to specialized requirements and project complexity.

What’s Included Beyond Salary:

Saudi construction packages typically include:

• Tax-free salary (no income tax in Saudi Arabia)
• Free accommodation (furnished apartment or compound villa)
• Transportation allowance (SAR 1,500-3,000 monthly or company vehicle)
• Annual flight tickets (economy or business class home)
• Health insurance (comprehensive coverage for employee and family)
• End-of-service gratuity (equivalent to 1 month salary for each year worked)
• School allowance (if family joins, some companies provide education support)

Total Compensation Example:

Base Salary: SAR 20,000/month (SAR 240,000/year)

• Accommodation: SAR 60,000/year value
• Transportation: SAR 24,000/year
• Flights: SAR 12,000/year
• Health Insurance: SAR 15,000/year = Total Package: SAR 351,000/year ($93,600 USD equivalent)

Plus zero income tax means you keep everything you earn.

Types of Construction Project Manager Positions

Oversee all aspects of project management, including site selection, design coordination, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases, to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

General Construction Project Manager

Overseeing residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments from inception to completion.

Responsibilities:

• Planning and scheduling all construction activities
• Budget management and cost control
• Coordinating contractors and subcontractors
• Quality assurance and safety compliance
• Stakeholder communication and reporting

Typical Projects: High-rise towers, residential compounds, commercial centers

ARAMCO-Approved Construction Manager

Experience as Construction Manager in Saudi ARAMCO construction projects and approval from ARAMCO as CM required.

Specialized Requirements:

• ARAMCO-specific training and certification
• Experience with oil & gas construction
• Knowledge of ARAMCO standards and procedures
• HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) expertise

Typical Projects: Oil & gas facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, industrial infrastructure

MEP Construction Manager

MEP Construction Engineer will serve as the primary site lead for the execution of HVAC works in energy efficiency retrofit and construction projects.

Managing Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems in construction projects.

Typical Projects: Smart buildings, hospitals, data centers, industrial facilities

Fit-Out Construction Manager

Fit out Construction Manager positions available at prestigious Interior Designing and Fit-Out companies in Riyadh.

Specializing in interior fit-out and finishing works for commercial and residential spaces.

Typical Projects: Office interiors, retail spaces, hospitality venues, luxury residences

Infrastructure Project Manager

Managing roads, bridges, utilities, and public infrastructure projects.

Typical Projects: Highways, metro systems, airports, utilities networks

Program Manager/PMO Consultant

Company serving in capacity of Program Management Office (PMO) consultant for major urban refurbishment in Riyadh, featured by densely populated and highly built-up area.

Overseeing multiple projects as part of larger development programs.

Typical Projects: Master-planned communities, city-wide infrastructure programs, mega-developments

Major Employers and Projects Hiring

Government Mega-Projects:

NEOM – The futuristic mega-city development in northwest Saudi Arabia

• Hundreds of construction PM roles
• Premium salaries and packages
• International exposure
• Long-term employment (10-20 year project timeline)

Red Sea Development Company – Luxury tourism destination

• Resort construction
• Infrastructure development
• Sustainable construction focus

Qiddiya Investment Company – Entertainment, sports, and cultural destination

• Theme parks
• Sports facilities
• Commercial developments

Diriyah Gate Development Authority – UNESCO heritage site development

• Cultural and heritage projects
• Mixed-use developments

Major Contractors:

Saudi Binladin Group – One of Saudi Arabia’s largest construction companies

Saudi Aramco Contractors:

• Bechtel
• Fluor
• Worley
• McDermott
• Jacobs
• AECOM

International Contractors:

• China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC)
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction
• Samsung C&T
• Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC)
• Orascom Construction
• Al Rajhi Group

Where to Find Job Listings:

• Bayt.com – Leading Middle East job board
• GulfTalent – 550 construction project manager positions listed
• LinkedIn – Strong professional network in Saudi Arabia
• Company career pages – Direct applications to major contractors
• Recruitment agencies – Specialized construction recruiters

Requirements and Qualifications

Educational Requirements:

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred for senior roles

Professional Certifications (Highly Valued):

• PMP (Project Management Professional) – Most requested certification
• Prince2 – Recognized project management methodology
• PMI-CP (Construction Professional) – Construction-specific certification
• LEED AP – For sustainable construction projects
• NEBOSH – Health and safety certification

Experience Requirements:

Entry-Level PM:

• 3-5 years site engineer or assistant PM experience
• Local Gulf region experience preferred

Mid-Level PM:

• 5-10 years project management experience
• At least 2-3 years in Gulf region preferred
• Experience managing projects worth $10M-50M

Senior PM:

• 10-15+ years experience
• Gulf region experience essential
• Proven track record managing $50M-500M+ projects
• Team leadership and multi-project management

ARAMCO-Specific: 10-15 years total experience and 5-7 years experience as Construction Manager in Saudi ARAMCO construction projects.

Technical Skills:

• Software Proficiency:
  • Primavera P6 (scheduling – essential)
  • MS Project
  • AutoCAD (reading drawings)
  • BIM software familiarity
  • Cost estimation software
• Knowledge Areas:
  • Construction methods and materials
  • Local building codes and regulations
  • Contract management (FIDIC experience valued)
  • Quality control procedures
  • HSE management systems

Language Requirements:

• English: Fluent (essential for international projects)
• Arabic: Not required but highly advantageous
• Technical Arabic for construction terms helpful

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and team management
• Excellent communication skills
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
• Heat tolerance (Saudi summers are extreme)

The Visa Sponsorship Process

How Employment Visa Works:

Saudi Arabia requires employer sponsorship for all foreign workers. You cannot apply for work visas independently.

Step 1: Job Offer

Secure employment with Saudi company or international contractor operating in Saudi Arabia.

Step 2: Employment Contract

Ensure alignment with Saudi labor law (KSA GOSI, Iqama, visa sponsorship).

Sign formal employment contract specifying:

• Salary and benefits
• Contract duration (typically 2 years)
• Job title and responsibilities
• Notice period

Step 3: Employer Applies for Work Visa

Company handles all visa processing:

• Ministry of Labor approval
• Entry visa issuance
• Iqama (residence permit) processing

Step 4: Medical and Documentation

• Medical fitness examination
• Police clearance certificate (from home country)
• Educational certificate attestation
• Professional certifications verification

Step 5: Entry and Iqama Finalization

Upon arrival:

• Complete biometric registration
• Final medical check in Saudi Arabia
• Iqama card issuance (takes 2-4 weeks)

Timeline:

• Job offer to visa approval: 4-8 weeks
• Entry visa to Iqama: 2-4 weeks
• Total: 2-3 months typically

Cost: Employer pays ALL visa-related costs. If anyone asks you to pay for visa processing, it’s a scam.

 Living and Working in Saudi Arabia

Work Environment:

• Work week: Sunday-Thursday (Friday-Saturday weekend)
• Work hours: Typically 8-9 hours daily
• Project sites: Can be in urban centers or remote locations
• Climate: Extremely hot summers (45-50°C), mild winters

Accommodation:

Compound Living (Common for Expats):

• Gated communities with security
• Villas or apartments
• Amenities (pools, gyms, restaurants)
• Western-style environment
• Family-friendly

City Apartments:

• Modern furnished apartments
• Close to work sites
• More integrated with local culture

Cultural Considerations:

• Islamic country with strict social codes
• Modest dress required in public
• Alcohol prohibited
• Friday is main prayer day
• Ramadan affects work schedules
• Gender segregation in some public spaces
• Respect for local customs essential

Family Life:

Many construction managers bring families:

• International schools available (pricey)
• Compound living provides community
• Weekend desert trips, diving in Red Sea
• Growing entertainment options

Savings Potential:

With tax-free salaries, free accommodation, and modest living costs, saving 60-70% of salary is realistic:

• Senior PM earning SAR 25,000/month: Save SAR 15,000-18,000 monthly
• Annual savings: SAR 180,000-216,000 ($48K-$58K USD)

This is why many construction professionals work in Saudi Arabia for 5-10 years, save aggressively, then return home with substantial nest eggs.

Your Application Strategy

Resume Optimization:

• Lead with PMP or relevant certifications
• Emphasize Gulf region experience if you have it
• Highlight large-scale project experience
• Quantify achievements (budgets managed, timelines met)
• List software proficiencies prominently
• Include professional photo (common in Middle East CVs)

Cover Letter Approach:

Address Saudi-specific elements:

• Express understanding of Saudi construction market
• Mention any ARAMCO experience or relevant sector knowledge
• Highlight cultural adaptability
• State availability to relocate

Networking:

• Connect with construction professionals working in Saudi Arabia on LinkedIn
• Join construction management groups focused on Middle East
• Attend construction industry conferences (many virtual options)
• Reach out to recruitment consultants specializing in Gulf placements

Application Tips:

• Apply directly through company career pages when possible
• Use multiple job boards simultaneously
• Tailor each application to specific project/company
• Be responsive (recruiters move fast in this market)
• Prepare for video interviews (time zone flexibility required)

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: ARAMCO Approval Requirements

ARAMCO-approved status significantly increases earning potential but requires specific experience.

Solution:

• Start with non-ARAMCO projects to gain Saudi experience
• Pursue ARAMCO contractor projects first
• Complete ARAMCO-specific training courses
• Build track record over 2-3 years

Challenge: Extreme Climate

Saudi summers are brutal with temperatures exceeding 45°C regularly.

Solution:

• Most site work happens early morning and evening in summer
• Accommodation and offices are heavily air-conditioned
• Acclimatize gradually
• Stay hydrated and follow safety protocols

Challenge: Cultural Adjustment

Very different culture from most countries.

Solution:

• Research Saudi customs before arrival
• Respect local traditions and laws
• Connect with expat communities
• Learn basic Arabic phrases (shows respect)

Challenge: Family Separation or Education Costs

Bringing family means high school fees; leaving them behind means separation.

Solution:

• Many senior PM packages include education allowances
• Some managers work 2-year rotations then return home
• Compound living provides support network for families
• Video calls make distance more manageable

The Bottom Line

With 550 construction project manager jobs on Glassdoor, 1,784 sponsorship construction vacancies, and average salaries of SAR 236,153 (USD $63K) plus comprehensive benefits, Saudi Arabia offers exceptional opportunities for experienced construction project managers.

Vision 2030 mega-projects create sustained demand for years to come. Tax-free salaries, free accommodation, and strong benefits packages enable aggressive savings while gaining experience on world-class developments.

The work is demanding, the climate is extreme, and cultural adjustment is real. But the financial rewards, professional development, and opportunity to work on iconic projects make Saudi Arabia one of the world’s premier destinations for construction management professionals.

Start your job search today. Update your CV highlighting PMP certification and large-project experience. Apply through Bayt, GulfTalent, LinkedIn, and company career pages. Network with construction professionals in the Kingdom. Prepare for the reality of Middle East construction.

Your high-paying construction project manager role in Saudi Arabia is absolutely achievable. Make it happen.

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Working as construction project manager in Saudi Arabia or considering the opportunity? Share your experiences, questions, and tips in the comments below!