Saudi Laws Update

Saudi Arabia’s New Law on Non-Saudis' Property Ownership: A Strategic Shift in Real Estate Policy Firoz Mohammed On July 25, 2025, Saudi Arabia officially enacted the Non-Saudis Ownership of Property Law, marking a significant policy shift aimed at attracting foreign investment and diversifying the economy under Vision 2030. Set to take effect 180 days post-publication, this legislation introduces structured guidelines for non-Saudis—individuals, companies, and non-profit entities—to own and invest in real estate within designated zones across the Kingdom. Key Provisions of the New Law 1. Ownership Rights and Geographic Restrictions Non-Saudis are permitted to acquire real estate or other real rights, such as usufruct and leaseholds, within specific areas defined by the Council of Ministers. These zones will be determined in coordination with the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. Notably, the cities of Makkah and Medina remain...

 July 13, 2025 PIF launches Tasama to boost Saudi business services sector Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the launch of Tasama Business Services Company, a fully owned subsidiary designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s integrated business solutions ecosystem and support growth across both public and private sectors. Tasama is the result of a merger between BIAC, a former subsidiary of Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company (TAQNIA), and PIF’s Shared Services Center. The new entity aims to serve as a national provider of comprehensive business services, streamlining operations and enabling efficiency. The company will offer a full suite of services, including accounting support, HR and procurement services, digital solutions, incubator operations, and workspace solutions. These services are tailored to empower startups and support global companies operating in Saudi Arabia. Tasama CEO Eng. Mohammed Al-Jasser said the company is co...

 June 25, 2021 Online Brotherhood and digital platforms Abdullah Bin Bjad Al-Otaibi Political Islam groups have made a long and arduous journey ever since the inception of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in the late 20th century, reaching up to the present world, while making the most of social media and other new media platforms brought about by the modern technologies. The journey will give the impression to any observer and a diligent researcher about the ability of these groups to reshape and adapt as well as to rely on contradictions. The story is old where these groups used to reject any new ideas and inventions in their religious language of forbiddance and rejection. Then, after a period of time, they gradually waived the prohibition and scrambled for new ideas, realizing that the benefits of the permissibility outweigh gains from the prohibition in their pursuit of power. There are too many examples to count for this in almost all Arab countries. Their position pertaining ...

 February 07, 2024 Why is FinTech flourishing in Saudi Arabia? Majed Al Rasheed Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 and Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP) — with the FinTech strategy approved in May 2022 as its fourth pillar, aims to become a cashless society with a target of 70% by 2030. It also aims to make the Kingdom a global FinTech hub that attracts entrepreneurs from around the world as well as within the country. FinTech Saudi was established in 2018 as an ecosystem builder and catalyst under the supervision of the country's financial regulators, SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority) and CMA (Capital Market Authority), to lay the foundation and further accelerate the sector's success journey. This initiative has led to an increase in the number of FinTech startups to 207 in 2023, up from only 10 in 2018—an increase of 20.7 times in five years. With the collaboration of government ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communicati...

 August 26, 2024 KSA banks' investment in FinTech: A path to the future Majed Al Rasheed Any move by banks toward entering the FinTech space in KSA is considered positive, though each bank has its own strategy. This article focuses solely on banks' direct investments in FinTech startups, excluding any FinTech venture-building activities. It aims to shed light on the significant impact these investments have on the industry, solidifying FinTech's position and contributing to the sector's growth in alignment with the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP). The FSDP's mandate is to establish 525 FinTech startups by 2030 as part of the FinTech strategy, the fourth pillar of the FSDP. These investments are not only helping to achieve this goal but are also fostering financial inclusion, improving financial literacy, and creating more jobs in this rapidly evolving industry. Recently, there were two notable announcements of banks investing in FinTech startups in the R...

 How groundbreaking innovations and early detection are redefining diabetes care in KSA The body’s immune system provides protection against harmful viruses, bacteria, and other foreign bodies. However, in some individuals, this protective mechanism can turn on the body itself. Such is the case with type 1 diabetes, a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly targets the very cells responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. According to Dr Mohammed Al-Sofiani, Associate Professor of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism at King Saud University, many patients with type 1 diabetes usually present to the emergency room with symptoms like severe fatigue, weight loss, excessive urination, and excessive thirst. He explains that in people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin - the hormone that controls blood glucose. However, even after the antibodie...

 Saudi Awwal Bank named best bank in Saudi Arabia for 2025 by Euromoney for financial performance and innovation July 09, 2025 Saudi Awwal Bank named best bank in Saudi Arabia for 2025 by Euromoney for financial performance and innovation Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), one of the leading banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been named “Best Bank in Saudi Arabia for 2025” by Euromoney, recognizing the bank’s strong financial performance, continued digital advancement, and commitment to social responsibility over the past year. In 2024, SAB reported a net profit of SR8.07 billion, a 15% increase over the previous year. Operating income reached SR14 'million, supported by a 16% return on tangible equity, reflecting consistent performance and effective capital deployment. Lending remained a key area of growth, with net loans and advances rising by 20% to reach SR259 billion, in line with SAB’s strategy to support the financing needs of individuals and businesses across the Kingdom. SAB c...

 July 07, 2025 Moyasar unveils MPG: A landmark in Saudi Arabia’s digital payment evolution Moyasar, a leading provider of digital payment solutions in Saudi Arabia, proudly announces the official launch of the Moyasar Payment Gateway (MPG) — one of the most advanced gateways in the local market. This comes after obtaining all required regulatory and technical approvals for the new interface for e-commerce payments project, announced by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) positioning MPG as one of the first gateways fully prepared to comply with the new infrastructure driving the future of digital commerce in the Kingdom. A Game-Changer for Enterprise Payments Built for performance and reliability, MPG is the first gateway in Saudi Arabia to offer a full suite of integrated capabilities including recurring payments across all networks, seamless Apple Pay and Samsung Pay support, advanced Auth & Capture functionality, and unmatched response time through a fully localized infrastructure...

 Foreign startup licenses in Saudi Arabia surge 118% to 550 by mid-2025 July 21, 2025   King Abdullah financial district in Riyadh. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The number of foreign startups licensed under Saudi Arabia’s "Riyadi" initiative has reached 550 as of mid-2025, marking a 118% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Investment. This surge comes as part of national efforts to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for entrepreneurship by facilitating international startup entry and creating a flexible regulatory environment that fosters innovation and attracts investment. The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) has also issued 364 licenses for business incubators and accelerators across the country. These entities have played a vital role in attracting international entrepreneurs and supporting their growth journey — from early prototyping and mentorship to investor and market access — enabling them to...

 High-end restaurants must now provide a full table service experience. High-end restaurants must now provide a full table service experience. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has issued a set of new regulations to organize the operations of fine dining restaurants in Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to attract investment and enhance the business environment in the hospitality sector. Under the updated rules, high-end restaurants must now provide a full table service experience, including welcoming guests from the entrance to their table and offering valet parking. The regulations also include a dress code policy and prohibit the presence of visible cashier counters. Drive-thru services are strictly banned at fine dining establishments, as the ministry emphasized that the overall “experience” is central to luxury dining and cannot be delivered through fast service or exterior windows. Restaurants must also implement a digital reservation syst...

 July 21, 2025 Saudi Arabia designates sites for seven new mining complexes Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has announced the allocation of sites for seven mining complexes across the regions of Riyadh, Makkah, Asir, and Al-Baha, as part of its efforts to enhance transparency. According to ministry spokesperson Jarrah Al-Jarrah, the designated locations include four in the Riyadh region: the “Tamir 2” complex in Al-Majma’ah (1.99 sq km), a site in Afif (10.38 sq km), the “Tayri” complex in Rumah (37.88 sq km), and “Dawadmi 6” (30.62 sq km). In the Makkah region, a site was allocated for the East Faydat Al-Musallam complex in Taif, covering 25 sq km. In Asir, the ministry expanded the Al-Hadbah and Al-Qurain complex in Bisha to reach a total area of 72.78 sq km. Meanwhile, in Al-Baha, a new complex was designated north of Wadi Al-Hijrah in Al-Hijrah governorate, covering 0.66 sq km. Al-Jarrah emphasized that establishing these mining comp...

 July 21, 2025 Saudi municipalities crack down on unlicensed housing subdivisions Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has affirmed that municipal authorities across Saudi Arabia are continuing efforts to detect and address violations related to the unauthorized subdivision of residential properties intended for investment. The ministry emphasized its commitment to curbing irregular practices that bypass approved municipal permits, citing their negative impact on urban quality of life and neighborhood integrity. In a statement issued Monday, the ministry identified key violations such as subdividing housing units into smaller spaces, adding internal doors, and modifying exits through building setbacks all without the required licenses. These actions, it noted, pose risks to public safety, strain infrastructure and municipal services, and disrupt social and economic balance within communities. Municipal teams, with ministry support, a...

Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaking at the International Workshop on Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Exports held in Riyadh on Sunday. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is now implementing renewable energy projects at costs even lower than China and India, Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said, emphasizing the Kingdom’s global leadership in green hydrogen, battery technologies, and clean energy. “Saudi Arabia has become cheaper than China and India,” the minister said during the International Workshop on Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Exports held in Riyadh on Sunday. “As I always say: catch up with us if you can.” Prince Abdulaziz stressed the Kingdom’s ability to compete with China even in battery manufacturing, citing the recent project in Bisha and the latest tender round where “we managed to catch up with China.” The minister highlighted the signing of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 15 gigawatts last week, with p...

 Saudi Arabia shuts 267 digital platforms to boost unified government services Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA) has announced the closure and integration of 267 digital platforms across various government sectors as part of ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and increase digital efficiency. The move reflects a broader commitment to improving the quality of government digital services and ensuring platform integration in line with Saudi Arabia’s strategic digital transformation goals. According to a statement from the DGA, the closures come under a regulatory framework that includes new governance standards, the adoption of shared technical resources such as the National Single Sign-On system, e-payment gateways, and the Government Integration Channel. All platforms are also required to adhere to the unified design code known as the “Platform Code,” enabling streamlined and effective digital services. The initiative is part of t...

July 17, 2025 Commerce ministry names violator for selling non-compliant electrical products in Khamis Mushait Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has publicly named a business and its representative following a final court ruling convicting them of violating the Kingdom’s Anti-Commercial Fraud Law by possessing and selling substandard electrical products. Inspection teams from the ministry discovered 125 non-compliant electrical extensions offered for sale at the establishment during routine field visits in Khamis Mushait. A final ruling by the Court of Appeals in the Asir region imposed a financial penalty, ordered the closure of the business for three days, and mandated the confiscation and destruction of the fraudulent items. The verdict was also published at the violators’ expense. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law and taking action against violators. Penalties under the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law may include up to three years in prison,...

 Foreign startup registrations in Saudi Arabia rise 118%  Saudi Arabia led MENA VC funding in the first half of 2025, with $860 million raised. Getty Nour El-Shaeri - July 21, 2025 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment has granted 550 foreign new ventures the Startup Investment Registration, known as the Riyadi license, as of mid-2025, marking an annual rise of 118 percent.  The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monshaʾat, has issued 364 licenses to business incubators and accelerators nationwide, according to a report by the body.  Monshaʾat said these entities provide facilities for prototype development, mentorship, and connections to investors and commercial partners.  The increase in Riyadi registrations aligns with the Kingdom’s surge in venture capital activity.  According to regional platform MAGNiTT, Saudi Arabia led MENA VC funding in the first half of 2025, with $860 million raised, representing a 116 percent annual...

 Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has officially launched the process of acquiring properties that conflict with the planned routes of major road development projects in the Saudi capital. The initiative is part of the second phase of the city’s Road Corridors Development Program, aimed at addressing the needs of Riyadh’s fast-growing population by improving connectivity and transportation infrastructure across the capital. The targeted properties are located along several key development sites, including the Thamaniyah Road, the Second Eastern Ring Road, Prince Mishaal Bin Abdulaziz Road, two parallel bridges to the existing Suspension Bridge, and areas linked to the planned upgrade of the Western Ring Road and Jeddah Road intersection. Property owners affected by the expropriation have been asked to submit the required documents electronically or visit the Roads Implementation Office on Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Qusaibi Street, off Abi Bak...

  Saudi Gazette report RIYADH —  The General Authority for Roads has announced that the Saudi Roads Code now incorporates advanced infrastructure standards to support the safe integration of autonomous vehicles across the Kingdom. According to the authority, the updated code sets requirements for road design and construction that ensure self-driving vehicles can operate effectively under various conditions. These include the development of pavement layers that withstand the repetitive routing patterns of autonomous vehicles, the installation of real-time communication systems along roadways to transmit critical data to vehicles, and the use of road markings and signs that can be accurately interpreted by machine vision systems. Parking areas are also being adapted to include intelligent features such as automated guidance and self-parking capabilities, all aimed at reducing human error and improving traffic flow. The authority stated that the code acts as a unified technical r...

 July 10, 2025 - Saudi Gazette report The Jeddah Mayoralty has warned against the violation of discharging sewage into rainwater drainage networks, causing environmental hazards. The Jeddah Mayoralty has warned against the violation of discharging sewage into rainwater drainage networks, causing environmental hazards.    JEDDAH — The Jeddah Mayoralty has warned against the violation of discharging sewage into rainwater drainage networks, causing environmental hazards. This is a serious environmental violation for which the perpetrator will be slapped with a maximum fine of SR20 million. The mayoralty emphasized that this illegal practice harms infrastructure, negatively impacts the environment and public health, and causes blockages and congestion in drainage networks. The Jeddah mayoralty clarified that penalties are not limited to financial fines only, but also include a number of regulatory measures against violators, most notably: Immediately stopping the discharge; a...

 Saudi Arabia to introduce AI curriculum across all school levels starting 2025 July 10, 2025 Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia will introduce a national artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum across all levels of public education starting from the 2025–2026 academic year. Tthe National Curriculum Center announced nucluding the new curriculum in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The initiative aligns with the Human Capability Development Program under Vision 2030, aiming to build a comprehensive educational system that reinforces national values while boosting the Kingdom’s global competitiveness and leadership in AI. The new AI curriculum is designed to empower students with specialized skills from early stages, equipping them to engage with the digital age and contribute to innovative solutions throughout their educational journey from p...

 Saudi citizen and Yemeni resident convicted in perfume trade concealment case in Riyadh July 10, 2025 Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has publicly named and shamed a Saudi citizen and a Yemeni resident for engaging in a commercial concealment crime involving the trade of perfumes and cosmetics in Riyadh. Investigations revealed that the Saudi citizen enabled the Yemeni resident to conduct business activities without obtaining a foreign investment license. Authorities seized large sums of money in seven foreign currencies, gold bars, and other evidence proving the resident was operating a commercial enterprise for his own benefit. The resident acted as the de facto owner of the business and engaged in financial transactions far exceeding the scope of his official job as a sales representative. He admitted receiving 20% of the annual net profits in exchange for the Saudi sponsor’s concealment. The final ruling, issued by the Criminal Court in Riyadh, includes ...

 Al-Jadaan: Economic transformation thrives on partnership - Mohammed Al-Jadaan July 10, 2025 Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan said that Saudi Arabia’s development underscores that economic transformation thrives on partnership. He made the remarks while participating on Thursday in a virtual roundtable meeting for Resilience Consortium leaders, which was organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The meeting brought together ministers, private sector CEOs, and leaders of international organizations to exchange views on addressing the private sector's role in advancing resilience, innovation, and growth in emerging markets. Al-Jadaan said that Saudi Arabia's new Investment Law creates a level playing field, streamlines processes, and enhances investor protections. “The targeted public investments unlock high-potential sectors and crowd in private capital,” he said. The minister emphasized that investing in e-government services is not just ...

 CMA approves set of regulatory enhancements for investment funds in Saudi Arabia July 09, 2025 Saudi Gazette report The amendments approved by the Capital Market Authority Board aim to develop a regulatory framework for investment funds, enhance the asset management industry, and strengthen its competitiveness by identifying areas for improvement and adopting global best practices. RIYADH — The Capital Market Authority (CMA) Board has approved a set of enhancements aimed at developing the regulatory environment for investment funds in Saudi Arabia. This includes amendments to the Investment Funds Regulations, the Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations, and the Glossary of Defined Terms Used in the Regulations and Rules of the Capital Market Authority. The amendments approved by the CMA Board aim to develop a regulatory framework for investment funds, enhance the asset management industry, and strengthen its competitiveness by identifying areas for improvement and adopting global...

Commerce Ministry recalls over 5,000 Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles due to engine defects July 09, 2025 Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce announced the recall of 5,309 Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles, with the model years ranging between 2021 and 2024, due to a defect in internal engine parts (the connecting rod or crankshaft). This defect could lead to engine damage and loss of propulsion while driving, potentially increasing the risk of an accident. The ministry called on users of vehicles affected by the recall to contact General Motors at the toll-free number (8008200048), Aljomaih Automotive Company at the toll-free number (8007525252), and Universal Agencies Company at the toll-free number (8002442244), to inspect the engine and take preventative measures or replace the engine if necessary. The ministry noted that the concerned users can also check whether the vehicle chassis number is included in the recall campaign through the Defective Product...

 CMA approves major reforms to ease investment account access for foreign and local investors July 11, 2025, Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has approved a set of regulatory amendments designed to simplify the process of opening and managing investment accounts for a broader range of investors, including individual foreign investors in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The changes, effective immediately upon publication, aim to align the regulatory framework with ongoing technological advancements and the Kingdom’s broader investment and economic goals. The amendments include updates to the “Investment Accounts Instructions,” “Rules for Foreign Investment in Securities,” and “Capital Market Institutions Regulations.” This step is expected to enhance the overall attractiveness of the Saudi capital market by streamlining procedures, strengthening investor protections, and increasing market confidence both locally and internationally. One of th...

 Preventive justice through unified legal contract May 24, 2025, Saudigazette - By Dr. Sami Alrashidi The premise that legal modernization requires dramatic reform is both overstated and misread. In many cases, the more enduring reforms are the quieter ones — the administrative, the procedural, and the contractual. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's introduction of a Unified Legal Contract for Lawyers is a case in point. What is being reformed is not the concept of legal advocacy, nor the essence of client representation, but the structure that holds it together. The reform requires that the relationship between lawyers and their clients be formalized, standardized, and digitally registered through Najiz, the national digital justice platform. The Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Saudi Bar Association, Walid Al-Samaani, has launched the Unified Contract for Lawyer Fees to regulate the contractual relationship between lawyers and their clients within a transparent and reliable leg...

Strengthening the real estate sector is one of the key goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda.  June 30, 2025 Average rents for office spaces in Riyadh saw an annual rise of 23% Jeddah’s total office stock is expected to rise 1.8 million sq. meters by 2027 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s commercial real estate sector is witnessing exponential growth, with rents for Grade A office spaces in the Kingdom’s capital reaching SR2,700 ($719.95) per sq. meter by the end of March, an analysis showed.  In its latest report, global real estate consultancy Knight Frank said average rents for office spaces in Riyadh witnessed an annual rise of 23 percent by the end of the first quarter, driven by the success of government-led initiatives, including the ambitious regional headquarters program. Strengthening the real estate sector is one of the key goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, as the nation aims to position itself as a leading business and tourism destination by t...

Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah.  Arabnews - July 10, 2025 Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah Special conditions apply to ownership in Makkah and Madinah MAKKAH: The Saudi Cabinet recently approved an updated system that will allow non-Saudis to own property in the Kingdom, effective from January 2026. Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail praised the leadership’s support for the initiative, describing the updated framework as a natural progression of real estate reforms designed to stimulate sector growth and encourage foreign direct investment, which will increase property supply by drawing investors and development firms to Saudi markets, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The new regulations balance foreign investment opportunities with citizen protections through controlled market mechanisms and compliance...

 Al-Hogail says the updated law is consistent with Premium Residency Law The Real Estate General Authority is responsible for proposing the geographic area within which non-Saudis may own real estate or acquire other property rights. RIYADH — The updated law allowing property ownership by non-Saudis will take effect in January 2026. Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Real Estate General Authority Majed Al-Hogail thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of the Cabinet's approval of the updated law. Al-Hogail said the Cabinet's approval of the updated law is an extension of real estate legislation aimed at developing the real estate sector and encouraging foreign direct investment, which will contribute to increasing real estate supply by attracting investors and real estate development companies to the Saudi market. The minister emphasized ...

  Saudi Cabinet approves new property ownership law for foreigners Saudi Gazette report - July 08, 2025 JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, approved on Tuesday a new law regulating property ownership by non-Saudis. The weekly session, held in Jeddah, began with the Crown Prince briefing the Cabinet on his recent talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the first meeting of the Saudi-Indonesian Supreme Coordination Council, highlighting the strength of bilateral ties and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding between private sector entities in both countries. These agreements cover clean energy, petrochemicals, aviation fuel services, and other sectors aligned with a shared vision for advanced economic partnership. Acting Minister of Media Dr. Essam bin Saeed said in a statement to the Saudi...