New phase of attracting foreign investments

Sulaiman Mohd Hassan

With Saudi Arabia's announcement of a new system allowing foreign ownership of real estate as of January 2026, the country has entered a new phase of attracting foreign investments and promoting real estate growth within the targets of «Vision 2030.»

The decision will include foreign individuals. The decision will include resident foreign individuals, holders of privileged residency, as well as licensed foreign companies, as they are allowed to own residential, commercial and industrial properties, with the exception of agricultural lands and some private areas.

<The competent authorities confirmed that Makkah and Madinah will be subject to special controls, and direct ownership will not be allowed in them, but only through investment in real estate companies. The system requires applications to be submitted through an electronic platform, and to obtain approval within 5 days, with a 5% real estate tax to be applied.

The move comes as the authorities confirmed that Makkah and Madinah will be subject to special controls. The move comes within the framework of revitalizing the real estate sector and raising its contribution to GDP, while ensuring a balance between economic openness and protecting the social and cultural structure.

The move comes within the framework of revitalizing the real estate sector and raising its contribution to GDP.

@Smh91x