Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved the use of a digital ID to enable non-Saudi, non-resident foreigners to own property in the Kingdom. The initiative, led by the General Real Estate Authority in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and the National Information Center, will establish mechanisms to activate and implement the digital ID system.

The decision comes ahead of the implementation of the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, set to take effect in January 2026. The Cabinet also endorsed a decision by the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs to establish governance for non-Saudi property ownership and usufruct rights, including the formation of a specialized committee within the authority’s board.

As part of the reforms, the board of the General Real Estate Authority has been restructured under the leadership of its CEO, with representation from multiple ministries, government agencies, and three private-sector members. This move is expected to strengthen oversight and streamline processes related to foreign property ownership.

In July, the Cabinet approved the new Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, while in August, the authority published draft executive regulations. These stipulate that non-resident foreigners must obtain and activate a digital ID through the Absher platform, open a Saudi bank account, and acquire a local contact number before purchasing or utilizing property in the Kingdom.