Saudi Arabia Updates Property Ownership Law to Allow Non-Saudi Ownership in 2026
The updated law aims to develop the real estate sector and encourage foreign direct investment.
Riyadh — The Saudi government has approved an updated property ownership law that will take effect in January 2026, allowing non-Saudis to own properties within specific geographic areas.
According to the new legislation, the Real Estate General Authority will propose the designated areas where foreigners can acquire real estate or other property rights.
Public feedback on these proposals will be sought through the Istitaa public survey platform within 180 days of the law's publication in the official Umm Al-Qura Gazette.The minister responsible for municipalities and housing, Majed Al-Hogail, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the Cabinet's approval of this measure.
The updated law is intended to spur economic development by attracting investors to the Saudi real estate market.
Al-Hogail emphasized that the legislation also includes safeguards to protect the interests of local Saudis, with specific procedures aimed at achieving a balance in the real estate sector.Under the new law, non-Saudis will be allowed to own properties primarily in larger cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, with special considerations for Makkah and Madinah due to their unique status.
The Real Estate General Authority will issue executive regulation guidelines that detail the procedures for foreign ownership of property, enforce the relevant provisions, and outline how various economic and social factors will be integrated into the implementation process.The updated law aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to liberalize its real estate market, as evidenced by the Premium Residency Law and other legislation granting GCC citizens certain privileges regarding property ownership.
These reforms reflect an ongoing shift towards creating a more attractive environment for foreign investment in the kingdom's economy.
According to the new legislation, the Real Estate General Authority will propose the designated areas where foreigners can acquire real estate or other property rights.
Public feedback on these proposals will be sought through the Istitaa public survey platform within 180 days of the law's publication in the official Umm Al-Qura Gazette.The minister responsible for municipalities and housing, Majed Al-Hogail, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the Cabinet's approval of this measure.
The updated law is intended to spur economic development by attracting investors to the Saudi real estate market.
Al-Hogail emphasized that the legislation also includes safeguards to protect the interests of local Saudis, with specific procedures aimed at achieving a balance in the real estate sector.Under the new law, non-Saudis will be allowed to own properties primarily in larger cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, with special considerations for Makkah and Madinah due to their unique status.
The Real Estate General Authority will issue executive regulation guidelines that detail the procedures for foreign ownership of property, enforce the relevant provisions, and outline how various economic and social factors will be integrated into the implementation process.The updated law aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to liberalize its real estate market, as evidenced by the Premium Residency Law and other legislation granting GCC citizens certain privileges regarding property ownership.
These reforms reflect an ongoing shift towards creating a more attractive environment for foreign investment in the kingdom's economy.
