Saudi CMA Seeks Feedback on Real Estate Ownership Rules

08 Jan 2026 CW Team

The regulator has invited market participants and other interested stakeholders to submit comments on the draft controls during a 15-day consultation period, which will close on January 14, 2026.

The proposed framework seeks to regulate how listed companies established under the Companies Law, licensed investment funds and special purpose entities acquire and hold real estate and other in-kind property rights within the Kingdom. This includes assets located in Makkah and Madinah.

According to the CMA, the draft controls aim to enhance capital market efficiency, improve investor appeal and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s regional and global competitiveness. The proposals clearly define the categories of listed companies, funds and entities subject to the rules and outline conditions governing ownership by non-Saudi investors, whether individuals or legal entities, along with specified ownership limits.

The draft also regulates ownership of units in investment funds that invest part or all of their assets in real estate within the Kingdom, including in the two holy cities. In addition, it governs non-operational ownership of real estate in Makkah and Madinah by listed companies, subject to previously established conditions. These include a requirement that foreign strategic investors must not hold shares or convertible debt instruments in the listed company at any time.

The CMA clarified that the proposed controls do not alter existing regulatory obligations for foreign investors, listed companies, investment funds, special purpose entities or capital market institutions under current laws and regulations. These include the Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis and its implementing rules, regardless of whether entities are operational or in liquidation.

The authority said the approach ensures regulatory consistency and clarity, while building on existing frameworks governing non-Saudi ownership of real estate. The proposals align with the new Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which comes into force at the start of 2026 and empowers the CMA to issue such controls.

Once finalised, the CMA said the measures are expected to stimulate investment, increase international participation and support foreign capital inflows into Saudi Arabia’s capital markets, while accelerating growth in the real estate sector in line with national development objectives.

Capital Market Authority has launched a public consultation on proposed rules governing real estate ownership by listed companies, investment funds and special purpose entities, including properties located in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The regulator has invited market participants and other interested stakeholders to submit comments on the draft controls during a 15-day consultation period, which will close on January 14, 2026. The proposed framework seeks to regulate how listed companies established under the Companies Law, licensed investment funds and special purpose entities acquire and hold real estate and other in-kind property rights within the Kingdom. This includes assets located in Makkah and Madinah. According to the CMA, the draft controls aim to enhance capital market efficiency, improve investor appeal and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s regional and global competitiveness. The proposals clearly define the categories of listed companies, funds and entities subject to the rules and outline conditions governing ownership by non-Saudi investors, whether individuals or legal entities, along with specified ownership limits. The draft also regulates ownership of units in investment funds that invest part or all of their assets in real estate within the Kingdom, including in the two holy cities. In addition, it governs non-operational ownership of real estate in Makkah and Madinah by listed companies, subject to previously established conditions. These include a requirement that foreign strategic investors must not hold shares or convertible debt instruments in the listed company at any time. The CMA clarified that the proposed controls do not alter existing regulatory obligations for foreign investors, listed companies, investment funds, special purpose entities or capital market institutions under current laws and regulations. These include the Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis and its implementing rules, regardless of whether entities are operational or in liquidation. The authority said the approach ensures regulatory consistency and clarity, while building on existing frameworks governing non-Saudi ownership of real estate. The proposals align with the new Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which comes into force at the start of 2026 and empowers the CMA to issue such controls. Once finalised, the CMA said the measures are expected to stimulate investment, increase international participation and support foreign capital inflows into Saudi Arabia’s capital markets, while accelerating growth in the real estate sector in line with national development objectives.

Resources

11 May 2026

Hindustan Zinc Joins Dow Jones ESG Index

Hindustan Zinc has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index 2026 for Emerging Markets following the latest index rebalance by S&P Dow Jones Indices. The inclusion marks the company’s first entry into the global ESG benchmark index.Formerly known as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the benchmark tracks companies demonstrating strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance across global markets. Hindustan Zinc is among only 25 Indian companies included in the emerging markets index and one of only two companies from India’s metals and mining sector.The company..

Products

11 May 2026

Carlton London Enters Furniture Market with EBG Group

Carlton London has entered India’s furniture market through a partnership with EBG Group, launching Carlton Luxury Furniture with a focus on sustainable and long-life home interiors. The venture plans to open 600 franchise-led showrooms across 300 cities over the next five years through a partner-driven expansion model. The company expects the rollout to generate investments of Rs 18-20 billion from franchise stakeholders and create over 12,000 jobs across the country. The brand said the initiative will focus on sustainability-led furniture manufacturing, targeting a reduction of around 16..

Resources

11 May 2026

BirlaNu Opens First Vijayawada Experience Centre

BirlaNu, part of the CKA Birla Group, has launched its first Experience Centre in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, marking a strategic expansion in South India.Located at Mahatma Gandhi Road, Governorpet, the centre showcases BirlaNu’s portfolio across walls, floors, pipes, putty and construction chemicals through simulated real-world application displays. The format allows customers, contractors and architects to directly evaluate products before specification or purchase.The company said the initiative addresses a long-standing gap in the building materials sector, where purchasing decisions ar..