Written by Dave Platter, Global PR Director

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Saudi Arabia is making a historic move by opening its residential real estate market to non-resident foreign buyers starting January 2026. This marks a pivotal shift that could reshape the entire Gulf property landscape, positioning the Kingdom alongside Dubai and Abu Dhabi as a regional investment magnet.

Juwai IQI Group CEO Kashif Ansari believes this will provide a clear path for foreign ownership and anticipates strong momentum from high-net-worth investors—particularly in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Major projects like The Line, Laheq Island, and the Red Sea development showcase Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in scale, design, and sustainability, with The Line envisioned as a 170 km-long linear city. 

Already, engagement from Chinese firms has tripled, contributing over US$19 billion in developments. While Makkah and Medina attract Muslim buyers, Riyadh and Jeddah are set to lead international interest. The anticipated introduction of golden visa-style residency incentives, similar to those in Dubai, could further supercharge demand.

As these mega-developments come to life, Saudi Arabia isn’t aiming to compete with its neighbors but to elevate the Gulf region into a globally dynamic investment corridor. This is just the beginning of a transformational journey.