RIYADH — Companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL) can own real estate in Makkah and Madinah. The Council of Ministers approved the amendment of Article 5 of the Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by non-Saudis under which listed Saudi companies are exempted from the prohibition of non-Saudis owning real estate within the borders of Makkah and Madinah, according to the official Umm Al-Qura newspaper. According to the law, a non-Saudi investor with a natural or corporate personality is licensed to practice any professional, vocational, or economic activity may acquire the real estate necessary for practicing the activity in Makkah and Madinah. It is also stipulated that such real estate be invested within five years from its acquirement. The amendment, approved by the Cabinet, included listed companies in the purview of those permissible to own and invest in properties in Makkah. The Cabinet earlier approved the law and a royal decree was issued in this regard on Dec. 14, 2019. The new amendment made in the law read as follows: "Companies Listed in the Saudi Stock Exchange, according to controls set by the Capital Market Authority in coordination with the relevant authorities." The amendment was made following a recommendation by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and the General Committee for the Council of Ministers and a decision of the Shoura Council.
