RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s capital markets regulator has proposed new controls governing real estate ownership by listed companies, investment funds and special purpose entities, as part of efforts to strengthen market oversight and investor confidence.
The Capital Market Authority said the draft framework regulates mechanisms for owning real estate and other in-kind property rights across the Kingdom, with the aim of enhancing capital market efficiency and competitiveness.
The framework aligns with the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which is expected to take effect in early 2026 and grants the CMA authority to issue controls governing real estate ownership by listed companies, investment funds and special purpose entities.
“The proposed draft aims to regulate the mechanism for real estate ownership by listed companies in the Saudi capital market, as well as licensed investment funds and special purpose entities, in a manner that contributes to enhancing the efficiency of the capital market, increasing its attractiveness to investors, and strengthening its regional and international competitiveness,” the CMA said in a statement.
The draft also sets out specific conditions for non-operational real estate ownership in Makkah and Madinah. Under the proposed rules, a foreign strategic investor must not, at any time, hold shares or convertible debt instruments in the listed company.
The regulator has opened a 15-day consultation period, ending Jan. 14, 2026, to gather feedback from market participants before finalizing the rules.
Once approved, the framework is expected to support investment, enhance international participation and strengthen foreign capital inflows, in line with Vision 2030 objectives to develop the financial and real estate sectors.
The CMA said the proposed controls would not affect existing regulatory obligations for foreign investors, listed companies, investment funds, special purpose entities or capital market institutions, adding that they build on existing frameworks without introducing new provisions.
