Saudi Arabia is moving forward with plans to define nearly 170 geographical areas where non-Saudis will be permitted to own property or obtain real estate rights, according to official clarification released by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) on the newly launched Saudi Properties platform.
Multiple proposed zones are expected to include ownership areas in major cities, such as Riyadh and Jeddah, along with numerous cities and governorates across the Kingdom. Special regulatory provisions will apply to Makkah and Madinah, reflecting their religious and sovereign significance.
Once approved, the geographical scopes document will provide detailed maps outlining eligible locations, permitted ownership percentages, types of real estate rights, duration of ownership approvals and the regulatory conditions governing non-Saudi ownership.
The authority emphasized that the document is still under preparation and has not yet been issued. Comprehensive details will only be disclosed after all necessary regulatory approvals are finalized.
Decisions on eligible ownership areas will be issued by the Council of Ministers, based on recommendations from the authority’s board of directors and approval by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. Factors such as economic impact, security considerations and population density will play a central role in determining approved zones.
Also, ownership in Makkah and Madinah will be restricted exclusively to Muslim individuals and limited to approved geographical areas, subject to additional requirements that preserve the unique religious and cultural character of the two holy cities.
Under the updated real estate ownership regulations issued in 1447 AH (2025), eligibility has been expanded to include individuals, Saudi companies with foreign ownership, non-profit organizations and diplomatic missions. Ownership will be allowed within approved areas for various property types, while sovereign and security-sensitive locations will remain excluded.
This updated framework represents a major shift from the previous regulations issued in 1421 AH (2000), which imposed tighter restrictions on non-Saudi ownership and prohibited ownership in Makkah and Madinah, allowing only usufruct rights.
The authority confirmed that the revised system aims to regulate foreign and resident property ownership in alignment with national economic objectives, while safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s religious, cultural and social identity.
Further details regarding ownership zones, regulatory controls and implementation mechanisms will be announced officially once the geographical scopes document REGA is finalized and approved.
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