Non-Saudi property ownership law to take effect in 2026: Al-Hogail

Majid Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing

Majid Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, said the new law regulating property ownership by non-Saudis aims to boost the real estate sector and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to support housing supply across the Kingdom.

Al-Hogail, who is also the Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), said the new law safeguards citizens’ interests through introducing mechanisms to regulate the market and ensure real estate balance.

The law allows non-Saudis to own property within specific geographic zones, most notably Riyadh and Jeddah, while applying special conditions for Makkah and Madinah.

REGA will be responsible for defining the approved zones for non-Saudi ownership and is preparing the executive regulations for the law, which will be published for public consultation on the Istitlaa platform within 180 days.

The law, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, aligns with the regulations governing premium residency and existing rules that permit GCC nationals to own property for residential or investment purposes.