Saudi Arabia publishes new law on foreign property ownership

BAN ON GCC NATIONALS OWNING PROPERTY IN MAKKAH AND MADINA LIFTED

- BY LEKSHMY PAVITHRAN Assistant Online Editor

Saudi Arabia has published the full text of a sweeping new law regulating real estate ownership by non-Saudis, marking a significant shift in property regulations across the kingdom, according to the Saudi Gazette.

The law, approved by the Cabinet earlier this month, was officially published in the Umm Al-Qura Gazette on Friday. It will come into force 180 days from publication.

The new law grants non-Saudis — including individuals, companies, and nonprofit entities — the right to own or obtain real rights over real estate in designated zones, which will be defined by the Cabinet.

According to Saudi Gazette, these rights include ownership, usufruct (the right to use and benefit from property), leaseholds, and other real estate interests. However, ownership will remain subject to various restrictions based on location, property type, and intended usage.

Curbs in Makkah, Madina