Saudi property market opens up to foreigners

Newly approved law expected to go into force with the start of next year

- BY KHITAM AL AMIR Chief News Editor

Saudi Arabia will allow foreigners to own property in designated areas of the kingdom beginning in January 2026, under a newly approved law that marks a major step in the ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and expand its real estate sector.

The announcement followed the Saudi Cabinet's approval of the updated legislation. Majed Al Hogail, Minister of Municipal and Affairs and Housing and Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority, called it "an extension of the Kingdom's comprehensive real estate reform agenda."