Foreign ownership in Makkah is possible only inside the geographic scope approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2026. These are the named zones, as reported at approval.
The 12 approved zones
- Rou’a Al Haram Al Makki, immediately north of the Grand Mosque; publicly launched as the King Salman Gate project.
- Thakher Makkah, about 2 km north-east of the Haram.
- Masar, directly west of the Haram.
- Jabal Omar, on the south-western approach to the Haram.
- Ajyad Tower, directly south of the Grand Mosque.
- Makkah Towers, beside the Haram (listed as Makkah Tower Building).
- Makkah Zones (1), (2) and (3), districts roughly 2 to 4 km south and south-west of the Haram.
- Al Manar, around 15 km west of the central area.
- Sumou Suburb, around 18 km south-west.
- Tilal Village, around 7 km south-east.
Zone positions above derive from the official zone geometry published on the portal.
Two essential caveats
First: within these zones, individual ownership remains reserved for Muslims. Second: the authoritative, current scope is the document published via the Saudi Properties portal, zone definitions can be refined, so we confirm the live position for any specific property before a client proceeds.
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.