{"id":145656,"date":"2026-06-06T04:28:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T01:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/?p=145656"},"modified":"2026-06-06T04:28:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T01:28:11","slug":"how-the-white-land-fees-system-is-reshaping-riyadhs-urban-map-by-2030","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/how-the-white-land-fees-system-is-reshaping-riyadhs-urban-map-by-2030\/","title":{"rendered":"How the White Land Fees System Is Reshaping Riyadh\u2019s Urban Map by 2030"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several publicly listed companies on the Saudi stock market have announced that they are now subject to the <\/span><b>new Implementing Regulations of the White Land Fees Law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>For example:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dar Al Arkan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> owns approximately <\/span><b>2.65 million square meters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of land within Riyadh\u2019s white land fee zone, subject to a <\/span><b>5% fee rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Al Riyadh Development Company<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> holds multiple land plots in Al Rimal, Al Deerah, and Al Malqa districts all of which are now subject to the updated regulation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, these companies and others are now paying <\/span><b>annual fees of no less than SAR 1 million each<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This recurring cost is expected to drive landowners to <\/span><b>develop or sell their undeveloped plots<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a move that will significantly <\/span><b>reshape Riyadh\u2019s urban fabric<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by 2030.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, <\/span><b>Salamah Law Firm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights the projected impact of these developments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real Estate Strategy and Vision 2030<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saudi Arabia\u2019s real estate development strategy under <\/span><b>Vision 2030<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is built on several key objectives:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhancing land-use efficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within cities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Balancing supply and demand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the real estate market.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Positioning the real estate sector<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a key driver of non-oil economic growth.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Main Real Estate Objectives under Vision 2030:<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase the <\/span><b>homeownership rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> among Saudi citizens to <\/span><b>over 70% by 2030<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, through programs such as <\/span><b>Sakani<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, subsidized financing, and <\/span><b>public-private partnerships<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve <\/span><b>quality of life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Saudi cities through better infrastructure, urban services, green spaces, and public amenities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage <\/span><b>real estate investment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including foreign participation, by modernizing regulations like the <\/span><b>Real Estate Registration Law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Real Estate Brokerage Law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and updated tenancy and property laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stabilize <\/span><b>land prices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through the <\/span><b>White Land Fees System<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which aims to combat monopolization and promote development of idle urban land.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How the White Land Fees Will Reshape Riyadh\u2019s Urban Landscape<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The application of the White Land Fees in Riyadh is expected to <\/span><b>transform the city\u2019s urban map<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through multiple mechanisms by 2030:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Stimulating Development and Land Utilization<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fees are designed to encourage owners of undeveloped or partially developed plots within the urban boundary to either <\/span><b>develop or sell them to developers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This reduces the problem of <\/span><b>land hoarding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which has long hindered organized urban growth.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As more lands are developed, <\/span><b>the supply of residential and commercial plots increases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, potentially stabilizing or even lowering land and property prices in the long run.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It also compels utilization of land identified in <\/span><b>urban master plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, supporting guided development and reducing urban sprawl.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Impact on Urban Density and Vertical Growth<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather than continuous horizontal expansion at the city\u2019s edges, the system promotes <\/span><b>more efficient use of inner-city land<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is likely to increase <\/span><b>population density<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in certain districts and drive a shift toward <\/span><b>vertical development<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (multi-story mixed-use buildings) to accommodate more residents and businesses within limited space.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> With fewer large undeveloped plots, developers are expected to pursue <\/span><b>integrated mixed-use projects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, combining residential, commercial, and service spaces creating more dynamic and vibrant urban zones within Riyadh.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Improving Quality of Life and Service Accessibility<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing land within the existing urban area makes it easier and more cost-effective for government authorities to <\/span><b>provide essential infrastructure and public services<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (schools, hospitals, parks, roads).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Compact urban growth also reduces the need for long commutes, helping <\/span><b>alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Furthermore, by stimulating development in various areas, the fees help promote a <\/span><b>more balanced distribution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of housing and investment opportunities across the city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Supporting Major Projects and the City\u2019s Future Vision<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revenue generated from White Land Fees contributes to <\/span><b>funding public infrastructure and utilities projects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, supporting the city\u2019s sustainable growth and the broader <\/span><b>Vision 2030 goals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The system reinforces principles of <\/span><b>urban sustainability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, encouraging optimal resource use and channeling development toward serviced zones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b> What are the conditions for land to be subject to White Land Fees?<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The land must be undeveloped (\u201cwhite\u201d)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It must be <\/span><b>suitable for development or construction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It must be <\/span><b>located within an announced fee application zone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The total area owned by one person within the city\u2019s fee zone must <\/span><b>not be less than 5,000 square meters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The land\u2019s use must align with the categories specified in the regulation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b> How can I find out which category (tier) my land falls under?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consult <\/span><b>Salamah Law Firm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which communicates directly with the relevant authorities on behalf of clients to determine the land\u2019s tier and the applicable annual fee percentage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b> What is the timeframe for paying the fee?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fee must be paid <\/span><b>within one Gregorian year<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the date the fee invoice is issued.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b> How can I appeal a White Land Fee decision?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may submit an <\/span><b>appeal to the competent committee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the Ministry of Housing <\/span><b>within 60 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the date you are notified of the decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b> What is the appeal period?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>60 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the date of notification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b> What is the timeframe for filing a grievance?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is <\/span><b>no specific time limit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for filing a grievance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b> Which court has jurisdiction over grievances related to White Land Fees?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Administrative Court (Board of Grievances)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the competent authority for hearing such cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By <\/span><b>2030<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Riyadh is expected to witness <\/span><b>more concentrated and sustainable growth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with increased population and structural density in inner-city areas, and a noticeable <\/span><b>reduction in vacant plots<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within the urban boundary.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> New or significantly redeveloped neighborhoods will emerge, while existing areas will undergo <\/span><b>revitalization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to accommodate population and economic growth.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This transformation will likely create <\/span><b>vibrant, interconnected urban centers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, reshaping Riyadh\u2019s traditional horizontally expanding cityscape into a more integrated and sustainable metropolis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Salamah Law Firm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides comprehensive legal consultations and support to help clients understand the <\/span><b>new White Land and Vacant Property Fees Law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and its Implementing Regulations.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you wish to <\/span><b>file a formal objection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Salamah Law Firm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is ready to represent and assist you with full legal expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Several publicly listed companies on the Saudi stock market have announced that they are now subject to the new Implementing Regulations of the White Land Fees Law. For example: Dar Al Arkan owns approximately 2.65 million square meters of land within Riyadh\u2019s white land fee zone, subject to a 5% fee rate. Al Riyadh Development&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":145654,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[109,107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-145656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate-law","category-white-lands"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145656"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":145658,"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145656\/revisions\/145658"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145654"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.salamahlaw.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}