Why Saudi Arabia Opened Makkah, Madinah Property Market for Muslims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi Arabia has opened its property market in Makkah and Madinah to Muslims worldwide, marking a historic shift in the Kingdom’s real estate policy as it seeks to boost investment, support Vision 2030 and accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims.
The reform ends a restriction that had prevented foreign Muslims from owning property in Islam’s two holiest cities since 2000.
Previously, non-Saudis could only acquire property through limited exceptions such as inheritance or religious endowments.
The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved the geographic zones and regulatory framework for foreign ownership on June 23, 2026.
The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) simultaneously launched the Saudi Properties portal, the official platform for processing applications.
Under the new policy, Muslims from any country, whether resident in Saudi Arabia or living abroad, can purchase freehold residential property within designated zones in Makkah and Madinah.
Non-Muslims remain prohibited from entering or owning property in the two holy cities.
Approved developments include Jabal Omar, Abraj Makkah, Masar and several other projects in Makkah, as well as Ruaa Al-Madinah, Downtown Madinah, Darat Al-Hijra and other designated areas in Madinah.
Saudi residents can apply online using their Iqama numbers, while overseas applicants must first obtain a digital identity card through a Saudi embassy or consulate before submitting their applications.
The initiative also creates a pathway to Saudi Premium Residency. Buyers qualify by purchasing a completed residential property worth at least SAR4 million entirely in cash, without mortgage financing.
The policy forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.
With the Kingdom targeting more than 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030, officials expect the reform to strengthen the real estate sector, attract foreign investment and provide Muslims with a permanent opportunity to own homes close to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
