Home · Foreign Ownership Zones in Makkah and Madinah
Foreign Ownership Zones in Makkah and Madinah
Saudi Arabia’s 2026 property-ownership law opened the door for non-Saudis — and, in the holy cities, for Muslim buyers worldwide — to own property inside defined designated ownership zones. This page maps the designated zones across Makkah and Madinah, drawn from the official Saudi Properties portal, and shows exactly where you can buy a home today.
Quick answer: Yes — under Saudi Arabia’s 2026 law, Muslim buyers worldwide can own property in designated ownership zones within Makkah and Madinah. There are 22 designated zones across the two holy cities — 12 in Makkah and 10 in Madinah — and several already have freehold homes for sale.
What are Saudi Arabia’s designated ownership zones?
A designated ownership zone is a government-defined area in which non-Saudis are permitted to own property. The zones are published on the official Saudi Properties portal and, in Makkah and Madinah, they open home ownership to Muslim buyers worldwide for the first time. Each zone below links to a guide where a live project is available.
Who can buy in Makkah and Madinah?
Ownership in the two holy cities is open to Muslim buyers. Non-resident buyers can typically qualify through a Saudi Digital ID, while Premium Residency holders have additional options. If you are unsure, check your eligibility or ask our team — we confirm exactly what applies to your situation before you commit. For the legal detail, see our guide to the ownership framework.
The designated ownership zones, city by city
Below are the designated zones in each holy city. Zones marked Explore → have a dedicated guide or a live project you can view now.
Illustrative map of Makkah’s designated ownership zones — tap any zone below for its official map.
Makkah
Rou’a Al Haram Al Makki (King Salman Gate)Immediately north of the Grand Mosque. Listed on the portal as Rou’a Al Haram Al Makki; publicly launched as the King Salman Gate giga-project.
Thakher MakkahHospitality-led development about 2 km north-east of the Haram, long marketed to international Muslim buyers.
MasarA 3.65 km boulevard destination west of the Haram with three zones — Gate, Central (residential, incl. Masar Corner by Alramz) and Haram (hotels & retail).
Jabal OmarMaster-planned towers, hotels and residences on the hillside west of the Haram — home to the Jumeirah Jabal Omar branded residences, now selling to foreign Muslim buyers.
Ajyad TowerCentral tower zone in the Ajyad district, directly south of the Grand Mosque.
Makkah TowersCentral tower zone beside the Haram, listed on the portal as Makkah Tower Building.
Makkah Zone (1)District roughly 3 km south of the Haram, defined by the official geographic scope.
Makkah Zone (2)District roughly 2 km south of the Haram, defined by the official geographic scope.
Makkah Zone (3)District roughly 4 km south-west of the Haram, defined by the official geographic scope.
Al ManarA new ROSHN Group community of freehold villas, townhouses and duplexes near Makkah Gate, by the western Haram boundary — around a 20-minute drive from Al-Masjid al-Haram.
Sumou SuburbSuburban district (Dahiyat Sumou) around 18 km south-west of the central area.
Tilal VillageDevelopment around 7 km south-east of the central area.
All Makkah zonesThe full official Saudi Properties portal maps of Makkah.
Illustrative map of Madinah’s designated ownership zones — tap any zone below for its official map.
Madinah
Rua Al MadinahPIF giga-project regenerating the district east of the Prophet’s Mosque: 47,000+ hotel rooms, residential and cultural districts, 63% green space.
Can foreigners buy property in Makkah and Madinah?
Yes. Under Saudi Arabia’s 2026 property-ownership law, Muslim buyers worldwide can own a home in designated ownership zones within Makkah and Madinah. Ownership in the two holy cities is open to Muslims.
What is a designated ownership zone?
A designated ownership zone is a government-defined area where non-Saudis are permitted to own property. The zones are published on the official Saudi Properties portal and set the map for where foreign ownership is allowed.
How many designated ownership zones are there in Makkah and Madinah?
There are 22 designated zones across the two holy cities — 12 in Makkah and 10 in Madinah. You can browse each one, with a short description, on this page.
Who is eligible to buy in the holy cities?
In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is open to Muslim buyers. Non-resident buyers can typically qualify through a Saudi Digital ID, while Premium Residency holders have additional options. We help you confirm your eligibility before you commit.
Can I own the property freehold?
Ownership terms are set for each zone and project. Several of the projects we currently market are offered freehold; others may be offered on a long-term basis. We confirm the exact ownership structure for every home — see our legal guide for the detail.
Do I need Premium Residency to buy?
Not necessarily. Many buyers purchase using a Saudi Digital ID without Premium Residency, though Premium Residency can widen your options. Our Digital Readiness guide walks you through getting set up.
Which projects can I buy in right now?
In Makkah we market Masar Corner and Al Manar; in Madinah, Al Alyaa and Al Majdiah. New projects are added regularly — register your interest to hear first.
How do I start buying in a designated zone?
Get digitally ready by setting up your Saudi Digital ID, check your eligibility, then register your interest. We guide you end to end, from first enquiry through to ownership.
Zone boundaries and eligibility are governed by Saudi Arabia’s ownership rules and the official Saudi Properties portal, and can change. In the holy cities, ownership is open to Muslim buyers; ownership terms vary by zone and project. Nothing here is financial, legal or tax advice — please confirm your eligibility with us and on the official portal before committing.