Last updated: April 1, 2026

REGA Designated Zones for Foreign Property Ownership in Saudi Arabia (2026)

What are designated zones? Which areas are open to foreign buyers in 2026? How to verify a specific property using the official Saudi Properties portal. Complete guide.

How the Designated Zone System Works

Saudi Arabia does not permit blanket nationwide foreign property ownership. REGA designates specific geographic areas where foreign purchase is permitted. Outside these zones, property ownership is restricted to Saudi nationals.

The zone map is the single most important thing to verify before paying any money to any developer.

The Official Verification Portal

Since January 2026, all foreign property transactions must go through the Saudi Properties Platform:

Portal: aqar.rega.gov.sa

What to check:

Log in with your Absher Digital ID (you need this first — see guide →)
Select “Request for Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership”
Enter the Property Deed Number — get this from the developer before committing anything
The geographic zone map shows: Green = open for foreign freehold · Grey = Saudi nationals only

Other useful portals:

Sakani: sakani.sa — specifically for National Housing Company (NHC) projects and government affordable housing; filter by “eligible for non-Saudis”
REGA main site: rega.gov.sa/en — developer licence verification, developer “700 number” check

If a developer refuses to give you the Property Deed Number, walk away. There is no legitimate reason to withhold it.

Designated Zones by City (2026)

Cities Open to All Foreigners (Muslim and Non-Muslim)

City	Foreign Ownership Status
Riyadh	✅ Extensive zones across the city
Jeddah	✅ Extensive zones including coastal areas
Dammam	✅ Available
Al Khobar	✅ Available
Dhahran	✅ Limited open market
Abha	✅ Available
Taif	✅ Available
Tabuk	✅ Available
Hail	✅ Available
Jubail	✅ Available
Yanbu	✅ Available

Holy Cities — Muslim Foreigners Only

City	Status
Medina	✅ Designated zones for Muslim foreigners (KEC, Al-Ranouna, Al-Hadra — phasing in)
Mecca	✅ Designated zones for Muslim foreigners only

Medina Designated Zones (Most Asked About)

Medina’s zones opened formally on January 21, 2026. They are rolling out in phases:

Zone	Developer	Status	Price Range (USD)
Knowledge Economic City (KEC)	KEC Development	✅ Open now	$440,000–$1,067,000
Al-Ranouna	National Housing Company (NHC)	🔄 Phasing in	$88,000–$115,000
Al-Hadra / Al-Jamawat	Al Majidia	🔄 Phasing in	$120,000–$155,000
Al-Iskan	Various	🔄 Phasing in	$90,000–$140,000
Rua Al Madinah	PIF (Public Investment Fund)	🔄 Residential 2027+	TBC

Verification is essential for NHC and Al Majidia projects — not all their developments are yet designated zones. Check each project individually on the portal.

Full Medina guide → · KEC guide →

How to Check a Developer’s Licence

Beyond zone status, verify the developer is licensed by REGA before signing anything:

Ask for the developer’s Unified Number (700 number)
Check it at rega.gov.sa/en under developer registry
If the developer doesn’t appear, or the project isn’t registered, stop immediately

Fraud Warning

Under the 2026 law, illegal property transactions carry fines of up to SAR 10 million (~$2.6 million). Common fraud patterns to avoid:

Developer claims a property is in a designated zone but refuses to provide the Deed Number for portal verification
Developer asks for payment to a private bank account rather than a Wafi escrow account
“Shadow ownership” arrangements where a Saudi national holds the deed on your behalf — these are void and illegal
Pressure to pay before the January 2026 law was in effect without a refund guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a REGA designated zone? +

A designated zone is a geographic area officially approved by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) where non-Saudi nationals can legally purchase and own property. Buying outside a designated zone as a foreigner is not permitted and results in the transaction being blocked on the official portal.

How do I verify if a property is in a designated zone? +

Use the Saudi Properties portal at aqar.rega.gov.sa. Log in with your Absher Digital ID, enter the Property Deed Number for the specific unit, and check the geographic zone map. Green = approved for foreign freehold ownership. Grey = restricted to Saudi nationals only. This is the only legally authoritative verification method.

What happens if I buy a property that's not in a designated zone? +

The Saudi Properties portal automatically blocks the transfer if the property is not in an approved zone. Any attempt to transfer ownership outside the portal is illegal and carries fines up to SAR 10 million (~$2.6 million) under the 2026 law. Your deposit may also be unrecoverable in a fraudulent off-portal transaction.

Do designated zone boundaries change? +

Yes. REGA expands the zone list periodically. The January 2026 law significantly expanded designated zones, particularly in Medina. Further expansions are expected throughout 2026–2027 as the government opens more areas to foreign investment.

Are designated zones different in Mecca and Medina compared to other cities? +

Yes. In Mecca and Medina, designated zones are only accessible to Muslim foreigners — non-Muslims are excluded from all zones in the two holy cities. In all other Saudi cities, designated zones are open to foreigners regardless of religion.

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