For the first time, Muslims worldwide can own freehold property near the Haram, inside Makkah’s Cabinet-approved zones.
Quick answer
Foreigners can buy in Makkah only if they are Muslim, and only within the 12 designated zones listed on the official portal: Rou’a Al Haram Al Makki (the King Salman Gate project), Thakher Makkah, Masar, Jabal Omar, Ajyad Tower, Makkah Towers, Al Manar, Sumou Suburb, Tilal Village and Makkah Zones 1, 2 and 3. Applications run through the official Saudi Properties portal.
The flagship zones
Rou’a Al Haram Al Makki, listed under that name on the portal and publicly launched as King Salman Gate: a 12 million m² mixed-use destination adjacent to the Grand Mosque with around 50,000 residential units planned, explicitly open to Muslim buyers worldwide. Masar, a 1.25 million m² boulevard development with residential towers, hotel rooms and serviced apartments. Thakher Makkah, a hospitality-led district north-east of the Haram, long marketed internationally. Jabal Omar, established towers and residences on the Haram’s western approach.
The buying process
Confirm eligibility → apply on the Saudi Properties portal → select a designated-zone property → budget the ~10% combined government charges → reserve, contract and register title.
A market unlike any other
Makkah’s demand is structural: millions of pilgrims annually, Vision 2030 targets far higher, and hospitality-grade supply near the Haram remains constrained. Availability for international buyers is being released progressively, and registered buyers hear first when verified listings go live.
Sources
- Saudi Properties portal: official zone registry
- REGA: Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership platform
- REGA: System enters into force (announcement)
- White & Case: Landmark real estate ownership law for non-Saudis
- King & Spalding: New foreign ownership law: key implications
- Arab News: Cabinet approves ownership zones
- AGBI: Saudi Arabia opens property market to foreigners
- Enterprise KSA: Mapping the foreign ownership zones
Facts last reviewed: July 2026. Rules can change, always confirm the current position on the official Saudi Properties portal and take independent legal advice before acting.
Important
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always obtain independent legal advice in both Saudi Arabia and your country of residence before entering into a transaction.