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Law on Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis Amended to Boost Competitiveness

Saudi Arabia amends law to enable non-Saudis own and invest in real estate (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia amends law to enable non-Saudis own and invest in real estate (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Law on Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis Amended to Boost Competitiveness

Saudi Arabia amends law to enable non-Saudis own and invest in real estate (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia amends law to enable non-Saudis own and invest in real estate (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia amended the Law on Real Estate Ownership and Investment by non-Saudis to increase and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the procedures and controls related to the ownership or use of real estate by foreigners, who enjoy natural and legal capacity in cities and economic zones in the Kingdom targeted for development, including the cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The proposed amendment enhances the competitiveness and marketing capacity of real estate in the Kingdom and stimulates growth in other economic sectors.

Asharq Al-Awsat reviewed a copy of the new law which stated that the prime minister would issue the executive regulations of the amended law.

A provision in the amended law permits international and regional organizations to own their official headquarters, which is within the limits of the agreements governing them.

The ownerships would be granted on obtaining a license from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as specified in the amended law.

The amended law stipulates that it is not permissible, by any means other than inheritance, to acquire the right to own, use or have an easement over real estate located within the Two Holy Mosques for persons prohibited from entering there.

Notary publics or any competent authority are prohibited from documenting any behavior that does not comply with the provisions of the law, provided that the new law replaces the system of non-Saudi ownership of the real estate in the Kingdom issued by Royal Decree (M/22).

Last year, the Ministry of Investment called on the public to review the real estate ownership law through the Istitlaa platform to regulate and protect real estate ownership rights and set general principles for the protection and regulation of real estate in the Kingdom.

The draft law identified eight real estate transactions: barter sale, lending, leasing, mortgage, endowment, gift, and reconciliation.

The draft system sets eight reasons for a natural or legal person to own real estate, indicating that real estate or unit ownership is transferred for one of these reasons, and the transfer is invalid until after it is documented in the real estate registry, following the provisions of its regulations.

The Ministry of Investment recently confirmed an increase in the economic growth, noting that real GDP grew by seven percent during Q3 and 6.7 percent in Q4 in 2021, driven by the change in the oil and non-oil sector, recording a growth of 10.9 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively.

Foreign projects achieved record numbers, bringing the number of licenses for new projects to 3,386 permits, increasing 347.9 percent compared to the second half of 2020.

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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)

Saudi energy and water developer ACWA Power reported a 44% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching SAR 427.15 million ($113.8 million), according to a disclosure filed with the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company attributed the strong performance primarily to higher total revenues, an increase in other operating income before impairment and other charges, a reduction in impairment expenses, and a rise in deferred tax balances. These gains were partially offset by increased costs in project development, general and administrative expenses, and financing charges.

ACWA Power’s revenue rose 57% in the quarter, reaching SAR 1.97 billion ($525.2 million), supported by growth across development and construction management services, operation and maintenance contracts, and electricity sales.

In a letter to investors, CEO Marco Arcelli emphasized that the company maintained strong momentum in developing new projects across all sectors during the first quarter.

These initiatives not only lay the foundation for stable future revenues and cash flows, but also contribute to earnings from procurement and construction management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to financial and operational growth, he noted.

Arcelli expressed optimism about the company’s long-term outlook, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen project development pipelines, improve procurement strategies, and streamline construction execution.

ACWA Power is building a solid platform for consistent and sustainable growth while remaining focused on delivering its strategic objectives, he stressed.

Among the company’s most significant recent projects are several in renewable energy and water. In the solar sector, ACWA Power is developing the Al-Muwayh solar power plant in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts and an investment of approximately SAR 35 million. The plant is scheduled to begin operations under a long-term power purchase agreement starting in 2027.

The company is also working on the Al-Khushaybi solar plant, with a capacity of 35 megawatts.

In wind energy, ACWA Power is constructing the Bash wind farm in Uzbekistan, a 500-megawatt project expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. Another wind project in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s national energy company will have a capacity of 65 megawatts and is also scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the water sector, ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in the Taweelah desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest facilities of its kind with a daily capacity of 3 million cubic meters. The company also holds a 35% share in the Sudair solar project in Saudi Arabia, which will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity.

ACWA Power has expanded its international footprint with recent acquisitions, including an 85% stake in Yanghe New Energy Technology in China. The company also acquired strategic assets in Egypt and Kuwait and is actively entering new markets while expanding its presence in existing ones.

The company continues to prioritize innovation and R&D, particularly in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. It is advancing new projects, increasing energy sales, and strengthening its global presence through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Italian firms and others in Africa and East Asia.

ACWA Power has also launched a new research and development center in Shanghai as part of its international growth strategy.