The new system consists of fifteen articles, which include basic definitions and details of the annual fees on white lands and vacant properties. The new system consists of fifteen articles, including basic definitions and details of the annual fees on white land and vacant properties, and gives the ministry the authority to determine the scope of application and the areas subject to the fees, provided that the land area or total land covered is not less than 5,000 m2, as specified in the regulations.

She explained that the new system consists of fifteen articles, which include basic definitions and details of the annual fees on white land and vacant properties. The regulations, which are currently being prepared, will include the necessary conditions, controls and criteria for the application of the system, including determining the criteria for subjection and exemption, mechanisms for calculating fees, methods of notifying owners or the like, as well as controls to prevent evasion and ensure fairness in application.

The ministry emphasized that the regulations are subject to the authority to determine the scope of application and the areas subject to the fees, provided that the land or the total amount of land covered is not less than 5,000 m2, according to the regulations. The Ministry emphasized that the owner is the responsible party for the payment of fees or fines, unless his or her equivalent pays, indicating that the system provides for penalizing violators with fines not exceeding the amount of the fee due, without exempting them from their obligation to pay, and the system allows the owner or his or her equivalent to appeal against the subjection or assessment decisions within 60 days from the date of notification through official channels according to detailed mechanisms that will be specified in the regulations.

The Ministry stressed that the application of the system is subject to detailed mechanisms to be determined by the regulations. She stressed that the application of fees will be based on accurate and unified databases to ensure transparency and justice, pointing out that the revenues from fees and fines will be allocated to support housing projects, achieving the objectives of the system in enhancing the sustainability of cities and reducing monopoly.

She pointed out that the approval of the amendments comes as an extension of the ongoing efforts to regulate the real estate sector and achieve balanced and sustainable urban development that serves citizens, noting that the regulation of white land fees will be announced within 90 days from the date of publication of the system in the Official Gazette, while the regulation of fees for vacant properties will be issued within a year from the date of publication of the system.

It is noteworthy that the decision to approve the amendment of the white land fees system was published in the Umm Al-Qura Gazette on Monday, after the Cabinet approved the amendment of the system during its session held on Tuesday 1 Dhu'lqa'dah 1446 AH corresponding to April 29, 2025 AD.

The Cabinet approved the amendment of the system during its session held on Tuesday.