- Saudi Arabia approved a new system allowing non-Saudis to own real estate, aiming to boost investment and housing supply.
- Executive regulations will be published within 180 days, with the law coming into effect in January 2026.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi’s Council of Ministers led by Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman agreed on July 8th 2025 to approve a new system allowing non-Saudis to own real estate.
This is part of a broader real estate legislation aiming to develop the sector and encourage foreign direct investment. In addition, it aims to help increase the supply of real estate by attracting investors and real estate development companies to the Saudi market.
The new system takes into account the interests of Saudi citizens by introducing mechanisms to regulate the market. In addition to ensuring compliance with specific procedures designed to maintain real estate balance.
Geographic Scope
The new system has considered all economic and investment aspects to allow ownerships in specific geographic zones. This is in particular in Riyadh and Jeddah and subject to specific conditions in Mekkah and Medinah.
The Real Estate General Authority will be responsible for proposing the geographic areas where non-Saudis may own property or acquire other real estate rights.
The authority will publish the executive regulations on the “Istitlaa” (Public Consultation) platform within 180 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. Additionally, the law is set to come into effect in January 2026. Its executive regulations will outline the procedures for non-Saudis to acquire real estate rights. It will also outline the requirements for enforcing the law’s provisions on non-Saudis. Furthermore, it will detail implementing the law in a way that considers all economic and social factors.
The new system aligns with the provisions of the Premium Residency Programme and the regulations for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens. These regulations detail how to own property in member states for residential and investment purposes.
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