Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Housing Issues Over 60,000 White Land Fees in Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Housing, represented by the White Land and Vacant Properties Program, began issuing more than 60,000 white land fee invoices in Riyadh on Thursday, following directives from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister, aimed at regulating the real estate market and achieving supply-demand balance.

Implementation According to Law and Regulations

The ministry stated that the issuance of invoices was carried out in accordance with the White Land and Vacant Properties Law and its Executive Regulations, after completing regulatory and technical procedures, based on approved geographic zones and specified fee brackets. The process adheres to clear standards and regulations ensuring justice and transparency.

An aerial panoramic view of the Riyadh skyline featuring the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah Center, with a large modern building under construction in the foreground and a desert landscape under a cloudy sky. — The evolving skyline of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcasing a blend of completed iconic skyscrapers and new architectural projects under construction amidst the city’s expanding urban landscape.

Payment Deadlines and Right to Appeal

The system allows taxpayers to benefit from payment deadlines offered to those actively developing their land, with requests for additional development periods considered by specialized committees. Completing development within the regulatory timeframes helps reduce financial burdens.

The law also guarantees taxpayers the right to appeal the invoice to the competent committee within 60 days of notification, with the committee required to decide on appeals within 60 days, following the established procedures.

An aerial view of the Riyadh skyline featuring the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah Center skyscrapers, with an empty plot of land in the foreground divided by newly paved asphalt roads under a clear blue sky. — Urban planning and development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showing the transition from prepared residential or commercial plots in the foreground to the established financial district in the background.

Developer Support and Project Facilitation

The ministry urged landowners within the covered zones to review the invoice details via the White Land and Vacant Properties Portal and take advantage of available services to accelerate development processes.

The “Itmam” Developer Services Center provides direct support to white land owners wishing to develop their properties, facilitating licensing and approval procedures and coordinating with government and service agencies, enabling owners to complete their projects within approved regulatory frameworks.

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✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Saudi initiative to issue over 60,000 White Land fee invoices in Riyadh exemplifies a Contemporary regulatory approach to real estate, where legal instruments and administrative frameworks are leveraged to shape market behavior and promote controlled Spatial Dynamics. By defining geographic zones, fee brackets, and development timelines, the program emphasizes Material Expression through active land utilization while reinforcing Contextual Relevance across the urban fabric. However, while the policy seeks to balance supply and demand, questions arise regarding Functional Resilience for smaller developers navigating complex approval processes and potential financial pressures. Ultimately, the initiative reflects a deliberate Architectural Ambition to institutionalize market discipline, incentivize timely development, and ensure sustainable urban growth in alignment with broader strategic planning objectives.