Al-Falih: Saudi Arabia's real estate and financial markets to be opened to foreigners by 2026
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih revealed that Saudi Arabia is heading towards a pivotal turning point in 2026, marked by the opening of new and expansive opportunities in the real estate and financial markets for foreign investors. This significant announcement, made during his participation in the Saudi-Japanese Ministerial Investment Forum, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing the economic liberalization policies adopted under Vision 2030.
Minister Al-Falih explained that the investment environment in the Kingdom has witnessed qualitative development and rapid growth in foreign direct investment flows since the launch of the Vision, as the figures have doubled to reach 119.2 billion riyals in 2024, reflecting the international community’s confidence in the strength of the Saudi economy and the reform legislation that has been enacted recently.
A strategic partnership that goes beyond traditional energy
In the context of bilateral relations, Al-Falih emphasized that the Saudi leadership places great importance on strengthening ties with Japan, as evidenced by the establishment of the Saudi-Japanese Strategic Partnership Council. He noted that the Kingdom, which remains Japan's largest energy supplier, is no longer content with traditional oil-based trade relations, but now offers promising opportunities for Japanese companies in future-oriented sectors such as clean hydrogen, advanced industries, healthcare, food security, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Background of the economic transformation and its expected impact
This announcement comes as the culmination of a series of economic and legislative reforms undertaken by the Kingdom in recent years. Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has worked to modernize its regulations governing foreign property ownership, launched the Premium Residency program, and developed the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) and opened it to qualified foreign investors, contributing to the inclusion of the Saudi market in global emerging market indices.
The full or expanded opening of the real estate and financial markets in 2026 is expected to attract significant liquidity from global financial institutions and individuals, deepening the Saudi financial market and enhancing the competitiveness of the real estate sector. This transformation will also facilitate the transfer of knowledge and modern technologies in asset management and real estate development, supporting the Kingdom's goal of diversifying its national income sources, reducing reliance on oil revenues, and solidifying Riyadh's position as a regional and global financial and investment hub.
