Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Sunday, Jun 22, 2025

Foreign diplomatic missions, global organizations can own headquarters, residences under amended Real Estate Law

Foreign diplomatic missions, global organizations can own headquarters, residences under amended Real Estate Law

The amended Law on Real Estate Ownership and Investment by non-Saudis allows foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom to own their official headquarters and residences of the head of their missions and their members and that is on the basis of reciprocity.
There is also a provision in the amended law that permits international and regional organizations to own their official headquarters and that is within the limits of the agreements governing them. These ownerships would be granted on the condition of obtaining a license from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, it was specified in the amended law.

While announcing the amendments in the law in a statement on its Twitter account, the Ministry of Investment solicited opinions and suggestions from the public with regard to the provisions of the amended law.

The new law will replace the existing Law on Real Estate Ownership and Investment by non-Saudis, issued by a royal decree dated 12 Rajab 1390. The amended law will come into force 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. The executive regulations of the amended law will be issued by the order of the prime minister.

The amendments to the law were introduced with the aim of raising and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the procedures and controls related to the ownership or use of real estate by non-Saudis, who enjoy natural and legal capacity, in cities and economic zones in the Kingdom targeted for development, including the cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The amended law targets non-Saudi natural and legal persons, who are either residents or non-residents, as well as citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

The amended law stipulates that it is not permissible, by any means other than inheritance, to acquire the right to own, use or have easement over real estate located within the boundaries of the Two Holy Mosques, for persons prohibited from entering there.

The law confirmed that this article correctly grants the right of ownership and the right of usufruct on real estate within the borders of the Kingdom, including Makkah and Madinah, as the current law stipulates the prohibition of this right.

The implementation of the provisions of the new law does not prejudice the acquisition of the right of ownership or any other original right over real estate through inheritance, as well as the regulations and decisions of the Council of Ministers and the royal orders that prevent ownership in some locations.

It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia allowed in May 2021 non-Saudis to invest in listed companies and own real estate in Makkah and Madinah. The Cabinet approved exempting all Saudi-listed companies from the prohibition stated in Article No. 5 of the Law on Real Estate Ownership and Investment by non-Saudis.

The Capital Market Authority also said that all Saudi-listed companies would be able to invest in real estate located in Makkah and Madinah. Foreigners can also invest in investment funds that own real estate within Makkah and Madinah.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
G7 Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Key Global Issues
Mass exodus in Tehran as millions try to flee following Trump’s evacuation order
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
Iran Conducts Ballistic Missile Launches Amid Heightened Tensions with Israel
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Shock Within Iran’s Leadership: Khamenei’s Failed Plan to Launch 1,000 Missiles Against Israel
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Iran Launches Extensive Missile Attack on Israel Following Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Black Box Recovered from Air India Crash Site
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion' Targeting Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel Carrying Greta Thunberg
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Syria to Reconnect to Global Economy After 14 Years of Isolation
Israel Confirms Arming Gaza Clan to Counter Hamas Influence
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
Iran Warns Europe Against Politicizing UN Nuclear Report
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
European and Arab Ministers Convene in Madrid to Address Gaza Conflict
×