2026-01-21
The Capital Market Authority has issued binding controls governing how listed companies, investment funds, and special purpose entities may own or acquire real estate across Saudi Arabia, including Makkah and Madinah. Properties located within these holy cities must be dedicated to headquarters or branch operations, though an exception permits non-Saudi shareholders to collectively hold up to 49 percent of a listed company’s shares for alternative uses. Capital Market Institutions may accept non-Saudi subscriptions in real estate funds, and all regulated entities must comply with the Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis Law during redemptions, liquidations, and ongoing operations.
ل- Internal داخ KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Capital Market Authority Controls on the Ownership of Real Estate in the Kingdom by Listed Companies, Investment Funds, and Special Purpose Entities English Translation of the Official Arabic Text Issued by the Board of the Capital Market Authority Pursuant to its Resolution Number (1-8-2026) Dated 2/8/1447H Corresponding to 21/1/2026G Based on the Capital Market Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/30 dated 2/6/1424H, and the Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/14 dated 19/1/1447H Note: The official text is in Arabic. This document is an unofficial translation and is provided for information purposes only Important Notice: The current version of these Rules, as may be amended, can be found at the CMA website: www.cma.org.sa
1 ل- Internal داخ TABLE OF CONTENTS First: Definitions Second: Controls Third: Final Provisions Fourth: Publication and Entry into Force
2 ل- Internal داخ First: Definitions For the purpose of applying these Controls, the following words and phrases, wherever mentioned in these controls, shall have the meanings they bear as follows, unless the context requires otherwise:
3 ل- Internal داخ Second: Controls A) Listed companies, as well as investment funds and special purpose entities licensed under the Capital Market Law, may own real estate or acquire other real rights over real estate, in the Kingdom—including the cities of Makkah and Madinah—in accordance with these Controls. B) When listed companies own real estate or acquire other real rights over real estate located within the borders of the cities of Makkah and Madinah, such real estate must be allocated to their headquarters or the headquarters of their branches, and the property must be fully used for such purpose. C) As an exception from paragraph (B) of this Article, listed companies may own real estate or acquire other real rights over real estate located within the borders of the cities of Makkah and Madinah for a purpose other than the purpose described in paragraph (B), provided that the following conditions are met: