Latest news with #MunicipalandRuralAffairsandHousing
Gulf Insider
10-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Expats To Soon Own Property In Saudi Arabia? Investors Cheer Landmark Move
In a game-changing move for global investors and expats, Saudi Arabia will allow non-nationals to buy property in designated zones starting January 2026, marking a major shift in the Kingdom's real estate landscape. The long-anticipated reform, approved by the Saudi Cabinet, is seen as part of the country's wider efforts to attract foreign investment, increase housing supply, and diversify its economy beyond oil. While full details are still being finalized, officials confirmed that non-Saudis will be permitted to own real estate in key cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, while ownership in Mecca and Medina will remain under special regulatory conditions. Investors with shareholding across major real estate firms benefitted, as stocks soared following the news. Retal Urban Development Co. and Saudi Real Estate Co. jumped over 5%, helping the Tadawul Real Estate Index hit its highest level since May. 'This move will likely have very positive and broad implications for multiple sectors in the kingdom, evaluate experts, with real estate developers, cement companies, and banks are all expected to benefit. The law is part of Saudi Arabia's broader real estate reform agenda, and was described by Majed Al Hogail, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, as 'a step forward in stimulating foreign direct investment (FDI) and supporting sustainable growth.' The Real Estate General Authority will oversee the process, identifying areas eligible for foreign ownership and setting out rules, which are expected to be released for public feedback within 180 days on the government's 'Istitlaa' platform. These rules will outline: Who qualifies to own property How to apply and register purchases Geographic zones open to foreign ownership Conditions for ownership in sensitive areas like Mecca and Medina The new law is set to take effect in January 2026. Executive regulations detailing the 'where, who, and how' will be shared within six months. Authorities say the policy has been designed with safeguards to protect Saudi citizen interests while encouraging global investor participation. The move builds on earlier efforts to open up the property market. In fact, Saudi Arabia recently allowed foreign investors to own shares in real estate firms operating in the holy cities — a sign the kingdom has been laying the groundwork for this broader reform.
Daily Tribune
07-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Saudi Arabia Introduces New Rules for Food Trucks and Mobile Carts
The Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, has officially approved new rules for operating food trucks and mobile vending carts in the Kingdom. As part of the changes, food trucks will now need to install security cameras inside, and all operations must stop by midnight unless they have a special 24-hour permit. Owners are being given 180 days to make the necessary adjustments. To ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow, mobile vendors will no longer be allowed to operate near traffic lights, busy intersections, road entry and exit points, police or ambulance stations, Civil Defense areas, or parking spaces for people with disabilities. They also can't park near environmentally hazardous areas like garbage dumps, sewage sites, or gas stations, nor can they operate in residential neighborhoods or block emergency exits. Other key rules include: No smoking, loudspeakers, or external mobile speakers inside or around the carts. All cooking must happen inside the cart—cooking outside is not allowed. If charcoal or firewood is used, a separate cart must be used for that. Selling any type of tobacco is completely banned. All vendors must also follow the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's regulations and install cameras as per the Kingdom's security surveillance laws. Each person is allowed to hold only one license for a food truck or mobile cart, valid anywhere in Saudi Arabia. These new regulations were made available for public feedback between May 13 and 28 through the 'Istithlaa' platform before final approval. Officials say the new rules aim to make the sector safer and more organized, helping protect public health while encouraging investment and making the process easier for aspiring business owners. It's also expected to raise food safety standards and clearly define where these businesses can operate.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why you can no longer buy meat or dates at your local grocery in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has announced a sweeping ban on the sale of certain products at small grocery stores, known locally as baqalas. Under the new regulations, these stores will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products, dates, meat, fruits, or vegetables. The move is part of a broader effort by the government to improve food quality, public health, and the retail sector. The new directive was issued by Majed Al Hogail, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, and takes effect immediately. However, existing establishments have been granted a correction period of up to six months to comply, as reported by the Saudi Gazette. From now on, tobacco, including regular and electronic cigarettes, shisha, and fresh produce and meat, can only be sold in supply stores such as supermarkets and hypermarkets. Additionally, businesses' means of sale will require a separate license. To further regulate the retail environment, the government has also introduced minimum space requirements: grocery stores must cover at least 24 square meters, supermarkets at least 100 square meters, and hypermarkets at least 500 square meters. Live Events Meanwhile, certain items, such as charger cables and prepaid mobile recharge cards, will continue to be available at all types of stores. Authorities say these reforms are designed to raise hygiene standards, ensure better product handling, and support a more organized retail infrastructure across the kingdom. Why is Saudi Arabia banning small stores from selling meat, tobacco, and dates? Saudi Arabia is banning these products in small stores to ensure that these items are stored, displayed, and sold under proper sanitary conditions in larger, better-equipped supermarkets and hypermarkets. This will also give the consumers details about the product. This can also be seen as governments' broader plans to improve transparency in food items and empower consumers to make informed dietary choices when purchasing or dining out. On June 18, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) announced new technical regulations requiring food establishments, both physical and online, to include detailed nutritional information on all menus. Among the key requirements is a new 'saltshaker' label for meals high in sodium, visible caffeine content disclosures for beverages, and an indication of the estimated physical activity time needed to burn off the calories in a dish. This will take effect on July 1, 2025. Centralizing the sale of sensitive or regulated products (like tobacco and meat) in larger establishments makes it easier for authorities to monitor compliance, licensing, and quality control. In a broader perspective, these changes will streamline and modernize the retail sector by encouraging professional retail environments and setting minimum space requirements. Experts believe this will support Saudi Vision 2030's goals of developing a more efficient and sustainable economy.
CairoScene
04-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Scales Up Housing Efforts in Riyadh to Meet Annual Demand
The Ministry of Housing is boosting development incentives and regulation as Riyadh targets 130,000 new units annually. The Saudi government is intensifying its efforts to meet Riyadh's rising housing demand, with plans to deliver up to 130,000 residential units annually, according to Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail. The city currently meets only 40% to 50% of that demand, prompting a multi-pronged government response to stimulate construction and attract both local and international real estate developers. To increase affordability, the National Housing Company has been tasked with delivering 60,000 housing units in Riyadh, many of which are priced below SAR 450,000 before subsidies, targeting middle-income Saudi families. The ministry is also working to regulate the housing market more effectively, introducing legislation to formalise landlord-tenant relations and revising the White Land Tax to include an annual levy on long-vacant properties without valid use. These policies are part of a broader strategy to close the supply gap, make housing more accessible, and ensure efficient land use as Riyadh's population continues to grow.
Arab Times
21-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Al-Shaheed Park is a model for urban development: Saudi Minister
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 21: Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, has praised Kuwait's Al-Shaheed Park as a leading example of urban environmental design in the Gulf region. During the 28th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Municipal Affairs held in Kuwait, Al-Hogail highlighted the park's outstanding integration of national heritage, environmental awareness, and community engagement. In a post on his LinkedIn account following the visit, he expressed admiration for the various urban projects he witnessed, noting that Al-Shaheed Park left a lasting impression. 'Despite seeing many beautiful urban projects, my stop at Al-Shaheed Park cannot be overlooked,' Al-Hogail wrote. 'It is one of the most prominent urban environmental projects in the region.' He described the park as a thoughtful urban space that goes beyond aesthetics to foster a sense of identity and belonging, while also enhancing the quality of life. Al-Hogail noted that from the Martyr's Memorial to the Peace Circle, along with features such as the Green Belt Lake, artistic sculptures, bird habitats, and salt flats, the park clearly reflects a balance between cultural identity and environmental sustainability. 'This project brings together memory, ecological balance, and social function in an advanced urban concept,' he said. 'The moment you enter, the careful planning is evident. It's more than just a beautiful place — it's a space that strengthens community ties and improves daily living.' Al-Hogail emphasized that the park aligns with the values of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. 'We believe that well-designed public spaces can be powerful tools for development, memory preservation, and achieving environmental and human harmony — all in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.' The minister expressed his appreciation to those responsible for the development of Al-Shaheed Park, calling it a pioneering effort that enriches the Gulf's urban landscape and enhances the quality of life for its residents.
