RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is preparing to define approximately 170 geographical scopes where non-Saudis may own real estate or acquire real rights across the Kingdom, according to official clarifications published on the newly launched Saudi Properties platform by the Real Estate General Authority.The planned scopes are expected to cover ownership zones in major cities including Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as cities and governorates across the Kingdom, with specific provisions related to Makkah and Madinah. The geographical scopes document is expected to include detailed maps identifying permitted locations, ownership percentages, types of real rights, duration of ownership permissions, and regulatory controls applicable to non-Saudi owners.However, the authority emphasized that the geographical scopes document has not yet been issued, and that detailed information will only be released once all required regulatory approvals are completed.According to the authority, the geographical scope in which non-Saudis may own real estate or acquire real rights will be determined by a decision of the Council of Ministers, based on a proposal from the authority’s board of directors and approval by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. Economic considerations, security requirements, and population density will be among the key factors taken into account when defining eligible areas.The authority confirmed that ownership in the cities of Makkah and Madinah will be permitted exclusively for Muslim individuals, and only within approved geographical scopes. Such ownership will be subject to special requirements that respect the religious specificity and sovereign status 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 entities, and diplomatic missions. Ownership is permitted across approved zones for various property types, while sovereign and security-sensitive locations remain excluded.The updated framework marks a significant shift from the previous regulations issued in 1421 AH (2000), under which ownership by non-Saudis was more limited, restricted to specific property types and locations, and entirely prohibited in Makkah and Madinah, where only usufruct rights were permitted.The authority noted that the system regulating non-Saudi ownership of real estate is designed to organize property ownership by residents and foreign investors in line with national interests and economic priorities, while safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s religious, cultural, and social identity.It added that any geographical scopes document — as well as future amendments — will be subject to strict regulatory procedures, including alignment with the Kingdom’s general ownership policy and formal approval by the Council of Ministers in accordance with the law.The authority stressed that further details on ownership zones, controls, and implementation mechanisms will be announced officially once the geographical scopes document is finalized and approved.
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