King Salman Approves Extending Deadline for Property Ownership Requests

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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King Salman Approves Extending Deadline for Property Ownership Requests

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, issued a Royal Decree on Monday extending the deadline for receiving property ownership applications and amending the rules for considering such requests.

Minister of Finance Mohammad bin Abdullah al-Jadaan lauded the King’s decision, saying it proves the Saudi leadership’s interest in serving the citizens.

Jadaan, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of State Real Estate, praised the initiative of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, regarding ownership requests that do not exceed an area of 2,500 square meters (sqm) for residential and 5,000 square meters for agricultural lots.

The initiative eliminated the requirement of the aerial photographer of the property before 1387 AH, corresponding to 1967 AD. It enables the committees to consider citizens’ ownership applications following the conditions and controls.

Governor of the State Properties General Authority (SPGA) Ihsan Bafakih said the amended regulations include extending the period for receiving the applications for one year, starting Dec. 9, 2021.

The new regulations allow the continuation of accepting requests for formal amendments to real estate instruments, as well as adopting the closest aerial or space photography from Feb. 7, 1986, which the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information approved for the applications of area exceeding 2,500 and 5,000 sqm respectively for residential and agricultural plots.

The owner should provide documents that prove the area has been established before 1387 AH, corresponding to 1967 AD, and correct the records located within the boundaries of the Two Holy Mosques, issued before the Royal Decree in 1428 AH, corresponding to Sept. 13, 2007.

Bafakih pointed out that all ownership applications must prove the existence before 9-11-1387 AH and that the committees will not consider any application of a property that a judgment of final status has already been decided upon or within the sites where ownership may not be acquired under orders, regulations, and decisions, or that conflict with organization or planning, or any other development projects.



UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM
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UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM

A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC), visited Paris to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in combating financial and organised crimes and strengthening international economic security, state news agency WAM reported.

The mission aimed to present the UAE’s National Strategy 2024–2027 in combating financial crimes, reflecting the UAE’s proactive efforts to strengthen international partnerships and exchange expertise in this field. The visit highlights the UAE’s commitment to activating effective communication channels to reduce financial crimes in alignment with its strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards.

Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat and Vice Chairman of NAMLCFTC, emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in tackling financial crime, stating, “France is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, and likewise, the UAE is France’s primary trade partner in the region. This necessitates strengthening our partnership to address illicit global financial flows. This visit is part of our commitment to and belief in the importance of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise.

"Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships across various areas and with several partners, including the Ministries of Treasury, Justice, and Interior, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and others. We look forward to continuing our work with French partners, especially on priority issues such as global organised crime, combating drug trafficking, and mitigating shared risks between our countries.”

According to WAM, Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to the French Republic, commended the close bilateral relations between the UAE and the French Republic, saying: “This visit marks a significant milestone to enhance the strategic and enduring partnership between the UAE and France, rooted in close cooperation and our shared commitment to global economic security and the fight against international financial crime. Through strengthened collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we aim to advance international efforts to confront financial security challenges.”

He added: “The delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations, discussed the comprehensive approach adopted by the UAE in addressing financial crimes. Furthermore, the delegation participated in technical discussions on key priority issues with our French partners. We look forward to further deepening sustainable cooperation between the UAE and France, to reinforce regional and global frameworks to combat illicit financial activities.”