Buying Property in Medina as a Foreigner in 2026 — KEC, Designated Zones, and the New Law Explained

The January 2026 law opened Medina to Muslim foreign buyers for the first time. Here's what changed, which zones are now open, and the steps to verify and buy.

On January 21, 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis came into force. For anyone interested in Medina property, this was a landmark change.

The One Rule That Did Not Change

Non-Muslims still cannot own property in Medina. This is a hard boundary in Saudi’s Basic Law and was not touched by the 2026 legislation. If you are not Muslim, Medina is closed to you regardless of zone or residency status. The nearest open city is Yanbu (220km) or Jeddah (420km).

What the January 2026 Law Actually Changed

1. Medina opened for Muslim foreigners. For the first time, non-Saudi Muslims can legally purchase and receive a title deed for property in Medina — within government-designated zones.

2. Freehold rights are now possible. The 2026 law introduces freehold title deeds in designated zones.

3. Everything goes through one portal. The Saudi Properties platform (aqar.rega.gov.sa) is the mandatory gateway for all foreign property transactions. Any transaction outside the portal is illegal.

The 10 Official Designated Zones

As of June 23, 2026, REGA officially lists 10 designated zones in Medina:

Al-Ghurrah
Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah – Zone (1)
Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah – Zone (2)
Al-Mahwa
Dar Al Hijrah
Diyar Al-Muqarr
Downtown Madinah
Knowledge Economic City (KEC) — the most established zone
Mishraf
Rua Al Madinah

Browse all zones on the official map: saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa/zones

Knowledge Economic City (KEC)

KEC is a gated community 5km from the Prophet’s Mosque with a direct BRT shuttle to the Haram and Haramain High-Speed Rail access. It is currently the most established zone for foreign buyers.

Contact KEC directly for current pricing and availability. REGA has not published official pricing.

Full KEC guide →

The Verification Step — Non-Negotiable

Before paying any deposit to any developer:

Ask for the Property Deed Number
Verify it at aqar.rega.gov.sa
Green = approved. Grey = blocked.

If a developer will not give you the Deed Number, or asks you to pay outside the portal, stop.

How to Get Your Digital ID Without Traveling

You need an Absher Digital ID to use the Saudi Properties portal.

Retrieve your Border Number at absher.sa
Register on absher.sa with a Saudi mobile number (eSIM from Mobily or STC works)
Book biometric activation at your nearest Saudi Embassy

Full Absher guide →

All information is based on the January 2026 law and official REGA publications. Verify all details with REGA and developers before making any financial commitment.