Royal Commission for AlUla Lifts Suspension on Land Transactions

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced the lifting of the suspension on buying and selling land in the central and southern areas of AlUla, northwest of Saudi Arabia, enabling full real estate transactions for owners and investors.

Transactions via the Real Estate Exchange Platform

Under the decision, owners and investors can complete sale and purchase transactions and update title deeds through the Real Estate Exchange Platform, aiming to stimulate investment, energize the real estate and housing market, and create development opportunities that support supply-demand balance, rental stability, ownership, and diversified land uses.

Investment Environment and Sustainable Development

RCU stated that the move enhances a business-friendly environment for urban and economic investment, supporting comprehensive and sustainable development in AlUla, while balancing the preservation of its unique cultural and natural heritage with economic and urban growth, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Infrastructure Readiness and Development Projects

Since its establishment, RCU has focused on development targets through tourism and urban development projects, delivering integrated infrastructure across transport, energy, water, communications, and community initiatives to support future urban expansion.

Building Permits and Design Guidelines

The Commission noted that applicants can obtain building permits through its official website via electronic services, and review approved land and architectural design guidelines that align with AlUla’s historical and cultural identity.

Public Services and Facilities Development

RCU continues to develop public services and facilities to enhance quality of life and increase population levels, including road, energy, and water projects, power generation stations, five strategic water storage centers, expansion of AlUla International Airport, and upgrades to healthcare facilities.

Alignment with the Second Master Plan

The decision aligns with the Second Master Plan “Towards a Thriving Community” launched in August 2023, consistent with the First Master Plan “Journey Through Time” announced in April 2021, serving as an urban roadmap for central and southern AlUla.

RCU emphasized that lifting the suspension reflects the readiness of AlUla’s planning and development ecosystem, opening broader prospects for local economic growth and positioning AlUla as a destination for living, working, and visiting.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Royal Commission for AlUla’s decision to lift restrictions on land transactions situates the region within a carefully managed model of Contemporary heritage-led urbanism, where controlled development coexists with strong regulatory design frameworks. AlUla’s planning approach emphasizes Contextual Relevance through strict architectural guidelines, calibrated land uses, and infrastructure-led growth that respects cultural landscapes and natural topography. However, the reopening of the real estate market invites critical reflection on the balance between investment acceleration and long-term Spatial Dynamics, particularly as market forces begin to interact with preservation-driven controls. While the availability of digital permitting and integrated infrastructure suggests institutional readiness, the true test lies in maintaining Functional Resilience without diluting the site’s cultural specificity. Ultimately, AlUla’s Architectural Ambition rests on transforming regulated openness into a sustainable urban ecosystem rather than a speculative frontier.

Reviewer

★ ArchUp: Strategic Analysis of the Land Market Liberalization in AlUla

This article provides a strategic analysis of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s decision to lift the suspension on land sales and purchases, as a case study in sensitive urban planning and the management of balanced development in heritage sites. To enhance archival value, we present the following key strategic and planning data:

Planning Context and Demographics:
This decision is part of the second phase of the master plan “Towards a Thriving Society”, which aims to increase AlUla’s population from approximately 40,000 currently to over 130,000 by 2035, while preserving 80% of the governorate’s total area (22,561 km²) as natural and cultural protected zones. The plan aims to add approximately 5,000 new housing units in its first phase, allocating 60% of developed land for residential use, 25% for tourism and hospitality, and 15% for commercial and cultural services.

Infrastructure and Investment:
In terms of infrastructure and investment, the Commission has developed a 350-kilometer road network and established five strategic water storage centers with a total capacity exceeding 2 million cubic meters to ensure water resource sustainability. Furthermore, AlUla Airport has been expanded to accommodate 6 million passengers annually, and the Prince Abdulmohsen Hospital has been developed with a capacity of 130 beds. The total investment in infrastructure and services is estimated at over 15 billion Saudi Riyals (approximately $4 billion) to ensure the governorate’s readiness for urban development.

Sustainability and Heritage Preservation:
Regarding sustainability and heritage, the decision follows a philosophy of sensitive urban development, requiring all new architectural designs to comply with approved design guidelines that preserve the local architectural identity, mandating the use of at least 30% locally sourced building materials in all projects. The plans also stipulate that 50% of the energy consumed by new projects must come from renewable sources, particularly solar power, while maintaining green and open spaces at 40% of the total developed areas.

Related Link: Please refer to this article to understand the context of sustainable development in heritage sites:
Balance Between Heritage and Modernity: Urban Development Strategies in Historical Sites.