Latest news with #Istitlaa


Saudi Gazette
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Civil Affairs proposes amendment to death reporting rules for resident expatriates
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Agency of the Ministry of Interior for Civil Affairs has proposed an amendment to Article 52 of the Civil Status Law aimed at updating regulations for reporting deaths to ensure broader system coverage. According to the agency, the draft amendment — published on the 'Istitlaa' platform for public feedback before final approval — is intended to improve the quality of civil registry data, support government decision-making, and deliver more integrated and efficient services to beneficiaries. The proposed changes include making it mandatory to report the deaths of resident expatriates who are married to Saudi citizens. This measure seeks to strengthen record completeness and ensure that official statistics reflect all relevant cases.


Leaders
31-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
37 Projects Open for Public Feedback via 'Istitlaa' Platform
The National Competitiveness Center (NCC) has launched 37 projects related to economic and developmental affairs through its public consultation platform, Istitlaa . Developed in collaboration with 11 government entities, the initiative invites participation from the general public, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders to share their feedback before final approval of these projects. 'Istitlaa' Platform The Education and Training Evaluation Commission has introduced a significant project titled 'Review and Update of Academic Accreditation Policies 2025.' This initiative aims to redefine the regulatory framework governing institutional and programmatic accreditation processes. Enhancing Educational Transport Standards The Transport General Authority seeks input on a proposed regulatory framework titled 'Basic Regulations for Educational Transport Activity.' This project is designed to align service providers with the Land Transport System's requirements. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is requesting feedback on its project: 'Updated Guide for Veterinary Professions and Facilities.' The guide aims to provide detailed, practical content for professionals and stakeholders across various areas of veterinary medicine. Commercial Signage Standards in Qassim The Qassim Municipality has launched a project titled 'Qassim Municipality Commercial Signs Guide.' This guide is intended to offer a unified reference for the development and implementation of high-quality commercial signs across the region. By presenting draft regulations, by-laws, and development proposals on the Istitlaa platform, the NCC reinforces transparency in the legislative process. The platform empowers citizens, government bodies, and private sector participants to actively engage in shaping the regulatory landscape that influences the national business environment. Related Topics: 25 Projects Open for Public Feedback on 'Istitlaa' Platform Saudi Arabia Proposes Heavy Fines for Unlicensed Food Businesses SDAIA Invites People to Participate in BCR Guidelines for Personal Data Transfer The Saudi Standards Authority, Warning from Certain Cooking Stoves Short link : Post Views: 16


Arab Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Now, Saudi Arabia Will Allow Expats To Own Properties
RIYADH, July 11: In a landmark policy shift aimed at boosting foreign investment, Saudi Arabia will permit non-Saudis to own real estate in designated areas across the Kingdom beginning January 2026. The move comes under a newly approved property ownership law, marking a significant milestone in the country's broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen the real estate sector. The decision was endorsed by the Saudi Cabinet and announced by Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing and Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority, who described the legislation as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's ongoing real estate reform program. Under the new framework, foreign nationals will be permitted to purchase property in specific zones, primarily in Riyadh and Jeddah, while ownership in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina will be subject to stringent regulatory conditions and additional oversight. 'The updated law is designed to expand the real estate supply, attract international investors and developers, and stimulate foreign direct investment in the Saudi market,' Al-Hogail said, adding that the legislation includes procedural safeguards to protect national interests and ensure the integrity of the housing sector. The Real Estate General Authority will play a central role in implementing the law. It will define the geographical zones open to foreign buyers and draft the accompanying executive regulations. These regulations will be made available for public consultation via the 'Istitlaa' platform within 180 days of the law's publication in the official gazette. The guidelines will detail eligibility requirements, application procedures, and compliance mechanisms, ensuring a balanced approach to economic liberalization and social responsibility. The law complements existing frameworks such as the Premium Residency Law and property ownership rights extended to GCC citizens, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to regulatory modernization under the Vision 2030 transformation plan. By opening its property market to global investors, the Kingdom seeks to position itself as a competitive real estate destination while addressing domestic housing demand and fueling long-term economic growth.

Korea Herald
11-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Al-Hogail Thanks the Leadership for the Council of Ministers' Approval of the Updated Regulation for Non-Saudis' Ownership of Real Estate
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- His Excellency Mr. Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing, and Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), extended his sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on the Council of Ministers' approval of the updated regulation on non-Saudis' ownership of real estate, during its session held on Tuesday, 8/07/2025. His Excellency explained that the Council of Ministers' approval of the updated regulation at this time is a continuation of the real estate legislative reforms aimed at developing the sector and promoting foreign direct investment. This will contribute to increasing the supply of real estate by attracting investors and real estate development companies to the Saudi market, thereby supporting efforts to achieve a more balanced real estate ecosystem. He added that the regulation carefully considers all economic and investment aspects, and allows real estate ownership under specific ownership conditions in Makkah and Madinah. He noted that the updated regulation permits both individuals and legal entities—including residents with legal status in the Kingdom as well as non-residents—to own real estate within Saudi Arabia, in accordance with specific regulations and conditions. According to the updated regulation, REGA is entrusted with proposing the geographical areas in which non-Saudis may own real estate or acquire other real rights. REGA will publish the executive regulations of the updated system on the Public Consultation Platform (Istitlaa) within 180 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The regulation is scheduled to come into effect in January 2026, as stipulated. The executive regulations will outline the procedures for non-Saudis to acquire real estate rights, the requirements for enforcing the regulation's provisions on non-Saudis, and all relevant implementation details, taking into account economic and social dimensions. It is also worth noting that the updated regulation aligns with the provisions of the Premium Residency Law, the regulations governing real estate ownership by citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states for the purposes of residence and investment, and other applicable laws that grant non-Saudis privileges to own real estate and acquire other related rights.
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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Saudi Arabia to allow foreigners, expats to buy property from January 2026
Foreign nationals, including expatriates in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, will be allowed to purchase real estate in the Kingdom starting January 2026. This follows the recent approval of a new law by the Saudi Cabinet, marking a significant step towards attracting global investment and expanding the country's non-oil economy. Who can buy property? Foreign individuals and companies, including expats and overseas investors, will be permitted to buy property in Saudi Arabia. Saudi citizenship will not be required, but purchases will only be allowed in designated zones, which are still being finalised. Where will property ownership be allowed? Approved locations include: Riyadh Jeddah Other zones to be announced later Ownership in Mecca and Madinah will be subject to special restrictions due to their religious significance. The government has not yet released full details, but it is expected that buyers will require special permissions for these areas. When will this start? The law will come into effect from January 2026. Before then, a full list of rules and eligible locations will be released. These details will be published within 180 days on the Saudi consultation platform 'Istitlaa', where the public can review and provide feedback before the final regulations are confirmed. Why has Saudi Arabia taken this step? This development is part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom's long-term plan to diversify its economy beyond oil and make the investment climate more attractive. According to officials, the new law aims to: 'Attract international property investors' 'Increase housing and commercial supply' 'Support major development projects in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and even NEOM' Authorities have assured that while the law opens doors for foreign ownership, it will include safeguards to protect local Saudi citizens. Which sectors are likely to benefit? This change is expected to benefit several industries, including: Real estate and housing Construction and infrastructure Banking and mortgage services Cement and building materials Following the announcement, shares of some Saudi real estate firms jumped by over 5 per cent on the Tadawul stock exchange. What should expats do now? If you are an expat interested in owning property in Saudi Arabia: Wait for the release of official rules and location details later this year Follow updates on the 'Istitlaa' platform for public consultations Monitor opportunities from developers who are planning projects in designated zones Looking ahead Saudi Arabia is adopting a model similar to other Gulf cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, which have allowed foreigners to buy in selected areas for years — attracting billions in foreign investment. Dubai's decision in 2002 to open its property market to foreign buyers led to a major boom, positioning it as one of the world's most desirable locations for property investment. If Saudi Arabia successfully follows this model, cities like Riyadh and Jeddah could become key real estate hotspots. For expats and foreign investors, this could represent a valuable opportunity — not just for residency, but for long-term wealth building in one of the Middle East's fastest-growing economies.