Since it opened its borders to international travelers in 2019, Saudi Arabia has been at the top of everyone’s dream-destination lists. And to welcome all these brand-new travelers, luxury hotels and exceptional entertainment venues, the likes of which you’ve never seen before, are opening up all over the kingdom. Desert Rock, an opulent rock-hewn property, is one of them. The Maraya Concert Hall, the largest mirrored building in the world, is another. Since travelers to KSA (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) will never run out of extraordinary places to check out, they should consider staying long term. In fact, since January 2026, it’s very much encouraged – the Saudi property market is now open to international buyers. How about a little pied-à-terre in Riyadh or Jeddah?
Investing In Real Estate In Saudi Arabia
Foreigners can now purchase properties in Saudi Arabia, and long-time expats (forced to rent until now) will be the first ones to jump on the extraordinary homes available in KSA. But, considering how hot the country is right now, we predict that there’ll soon be hordes of people desperate to get their own little slice of the kingdom too. Travelers, you’ve been warned: Strike the iron while it’s hot.
The best place to take a look at what’s available for purchase in Saudi Arabia is Sotheby’s website. The out-of-this-world properties currently for sale will be snatched up fast. The beachfront Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences and the Four Seasons Private Residences on Shura Islands are the stuff of dreams.
Note that some barriers remain for foreign buyers in Saudi Arabia. Only certain zones are available to non-Saudis, including, but not limited to, Riyadh and Jeddah. Mecca and Medina are not off limits to international buyers, but the market is tightly regulated and reserved to Muslim buyers.
How To Visit Saudi Arabia
Before you sign on the dotted line for a five-bedroom beach villa on the Red Sea, make sure Saudi Arabia is the place where you actually want to invest your money. You’ve heard it’s extraordinary, but still — go make sure first. For that, you’ll need a visa. And getting a visa for Saudi Arabia is as easy as ABC.
Applying for a tourist visa to visit KSA can be done online, and the procedure is quick and simple. Even though processing times are incredibly short (between 48 and 72 hours), it’s recommended to apply at least two months prior to your planned visit. The price for an e-visa to Saudi Arabia starts at $199 and there are three types of tourist visas available, valid from 30 days to one year.
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FAQs
Q: When did Saudi Arabia open its borders to international travelers?
A: Saudi Arabia opened its doors to foreign travelers in 2019.
Q: Since when can foreigners purchase real estate in Saudi Arabia?
A: The Saudi property market opened to international buyers on January 22, 2026.
Q: Can I get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia online?
A: Yes, you can get a tourist visa by applying online. The application process is quick and easy and the processing times are short.
