The Minister confirmed Municipal Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Haqil said that the decision to apply fees White lands In Riyadh, ahead of other cities in the Kingdom, it comes within the framework of a comprehensive vision aimed at enhancing the capital's position and making it one of the top ten economic cities in the world, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Riyadh: A global economic center
During an interview with Al Arabiya Business, Al-Hogail explained that Riyadh accounts for nearly 50% of the Kingdom's non-oil economy, making it a key hub for economic growth.
He added, "As His Highness the Crown Prince said, we aim to make Riyadh one of the ten largest economic cities in the world. Today, major economies are measured by cities, not countries."
The Minister noted that Riyadh has become one of the world's most important cities, with a strategic goal set within Vision 2030 to position it among the top ten global cities, based on its political, economic, and tourism influence.
Increased demand and scarcity of supply
Al-Hogail continued that Riyadh has become a magnet for citizens, residents, and international investments, hosting major economic, sporting, and tourism events, most notably Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup.
This momentum has led to a significant increase in demand, coupled with a limited supply of land, creating an "artificial scarcity" that requires urgent intervention to balance the market.
Four main trends
The Minister of Housing and Municipalities revealed that the imposition of vacant land taxes represents one of four key initiatives aimed at improving the real estate market. He emphasized that the revenues collected from these taxes will be allocated entirely to support housing projects and increase the housing supply, ensuring price controls and preventing any unfair increases.
He added, "Increasing supply controls real estate prices and is the foundation for achieving the desired development. The fees essentially aim to stimulate development and increase residential and commercial supply in the capital."
New opportunities for contractors and developers
Al-Hogail emphasized that implementing the fees not only serves the goal of positioning Riyadh among the top ten global economic cities, but also opens the door for contractors and real estate developers to capitalize on strong opportunities by stimulating the development of vacant lands and making optimal use of them.
Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya Business:
📌 These are the details and objectives of the white land fees in Riyadh.
📌The latest decision is one of four main directions to correct the situation of the real estate market.
📌Fee revenues will be allocated entirely to support housing projects and increase the housing supply... pic.twitter.com/aHYL2tHiHR— AlArabiya Business (@AlArabiya_Bn) August 28, 2025
Why did the Ministry of Housing start applying white land fees in the city? # الرياض Firstly?
📌 Saudi Minister of Housing and Municipalities Majid Al-Hogail explains in an interview with Al Arabiya Business
◀️ The full interview:https://t.co/q8rgrLf6EF#Arabia_Business#closing_bell@naserElTibi pic.twitter.com/74ezayAfaz
— AlArabiya Business (@AlArabiya_Bn) August 28, 2025
