Last updated: January 15, 2025
Open to Foreigners Buy Property in Dhahran as a Foreigner — 2025 Guide
Dhahran is home to Saudi Aramco's global headquarters. Property availability is limited but opportunities exist. Here's what foreign buyers need to know.
Non-Resident · Key points for your situation
› Power of attorney required if you can't attend the notary in person
› Saudi bank mortgages not available to non-residents — plan for a cash purchase
› Verify the property is within a REGA-designated zone before proceeding
› Budget 7–10% above the purchase price for total transaction costs
Iqama Holder · Key points for your situation
› Your Iqama is accepted across all government systems — Absher, REGA, Ministry of Justice
› Attend the notary in person — no power of attorney needed
› Mortgage may be available from select Saudi banks — typically up to 70% LTV
› Ensure your Iqama has at least 12 months validity before starting
Quick Answer
Yes — foreigners can buy in Dhahran, but the open market is small. The city is dominated by Saudi Aramco’s campus and company housing. Most expatriates in Dhahran live in company-provided accommodation.
Market Reality
The Dhahran private real estate market is limited because:
- Saudi Aramco’s compound covers a significant portion of the city
- Aramco employees (including foreign staff) are typically housed by the company
- Inventory on the open market is sparse compared to Khobar or Dammam
Recommendation: If you’re not an Aramco employee, consider Al Khobar → (10 minutes away) for a much larger and more liquid market.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy property in Dhahran? +
Yes, within REGA-designated zones. However, much of Dhahran's residential area is Aramco company housing — not available on the open market. Private market inventory is limited compared to Dammam or Khobar.
Is Dhahran a good city for foreign property investment? +
Dhahran's market is niche. If you work for Aramco or a contractor, company housing typically negates the need to buy. For pure investors, Khobar and Dammam offer more liquid markets.
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