Muslims Can Now Own Property in Makkah and Madinah
Key Takeaways
- Muslim individuals from any country can now own freehold property in designated zones in Makkah and Madinah — a right that did not exist under the previous 2000 law
- The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, approved the geographic zones and regulatory framework on June 23, 2026; the Saudi Properties portal is now open for applications
- Properties in Makkah valued at SAR 4,000,000 or more, fully built and purchased in cash, qualify the buyer for Saudi Premium Residency
For generations, foreign Muslims visiting Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi could rent but never own. Saudi Arabia’s previous real estate law, in place since 2000, barred non-Saudis from purchasing property in the two holy cities, with narrow exceptions only for inheritance or religious endowments. That has now changed.
The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved the geographic zones and full regulatory framework for foreign real estate ownership on June 23, 2026 (27 Dhul Hijjah 1447).
The same day, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) opened the Saudi Properties portal — the official and sole digital platform — for foreign ownership applications.
Who Can Buy
Only Muslims. Non-Muslims remain completely prohibited from entering or owning property in Makkah and Madinah. Muslim individuals from any country, whether resident in Saudi Arabia or living abroad, are now eligible to purchase freehold property within the approved zones.
Where Are the Approved Zones
Ownership is not permitted across entire cities — buyers must purchase within REGA-designated zones located near the holy mosques.
In Makkah, the approved zones are: Jabal Omar, Abraj Makkah, Al-Manar, Burj Ajyad, King Salman Gate, Tilal Village, Dhakhir Makkah, Dahiyat Sumou, Masar, and Makkah Zones 1 and 2.
In Madinah, the approved zones are: Ruaa Al-Madinah, Downtown Madinah, Diyar Al-Maqar, Al-Ghurra, Al-Mahwa, Darat Al-Hijra, Madinah Zones 1 and 2.
How to Apply
Applications are processed through the Saudi Properties portal at saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa. Saudi residents apply directly using their Iqama number, with eligibility checks completed through an automated digital process. Buyers outside Saudi Arabia must first obtain a digital identity card from a Saudi embassy or consulate before submitting an application online.
Premium Residency Pathway
Buying property also opens a route to Saudi Premium Residency. To qualify, the property must be residential, fully built — not off-plan — valued at a minimum of SAR 4,000,000, and purchased entirely in cash with no mortgage.
The Broader Picture
Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is valued at around $77 billion and is projected to reach $141.6 billion by 2034. The June 23 decision is part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic diversification agenda, with Saudi Arabia targeting over 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030.
For Muslim buyers from Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, and elsewhere, this is the first legal route to permanent freehold ownership in the holiest cities in Islam — close to the places they travel to for worship every year.
