Saudi Arabia will permit non-Saudis to purchase property in designated areas of the Kingdom from January 2026, under a newly approved law that represents a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and expand its property sector.
The announcement came after the Saudi Cabinet approved the updated legislation, which was praised by Majed Al Hogail, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, and Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority. Al Hogail lauded the law, describing it as “an extension of the Kingdom’s comprehensive real estate reform programme.”
“The updated law is designed to increase the supply of property, attract international investors and developers, and further stimulate foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Saudi market,” Al Hogail explained. He emphasised that the law has been crafted with safeguards to protect the interests of Saudi citizens, including stringent procedural controls and designated geographic zones.
Non-Saudis will be allowed to purchase property within specific areas, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah, while ownership in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina will be subject to additional conditions and regulatory oversight.
Under the law, the Real Estate General Authority will be responsible for identifying the geographic regions where non-Saudis may acquire property and will issue the executive regulations that govern the process. These regulations are expected to be made available for public consultation via the “Istitlaa” platform within 180 days of the law’s publication in the official gazette. The regulations will outline the steps for foreign ownership, eligibility criteria, and enforcement mechanisms, striking a balance between economic development and social considerations.
