Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced that approximately 71 million square meters of white land in Riyadh have entered development or market circulation, reflecting the growing impact of policies aimed at improving land utilization and boosting urban development.
The figures highlight the success of the White Land Fees Program in encouraging landowners to develop unused plots and support the expansion of residential and commercial supply across the capital.
Millions of Square Meters Already Developed
According to the ministry, the total area includes 29 million square meters that have been fully developed, 20 million square meters that have entered market trading, and another 21 million square meters currently under development.
These projects are helping increase urban supply while supporting balanced growth across Riyadh’s rapidly expanding real estate market.
The developments are also expected to create additional opportunities for investors, developers, and homebuyers.
Supporting Urban Development Projects
Revenue generated through white land fees has contributed to funding 27 development and infrastructure projects across Riyadh.
These projects support urban growth, improve municipal services, and enhance quality of life as part of broader efforts aligned with Vision 2030.
The ministry emphasized that the program continues to play a key role in strengthening urban planning and sustainable development.
More Than 60,000 Fee Invoices Issued
Since the beginning of 2026, the ministry has issued more than 60,000 white land fee invoices in Riyadh following the completion of regulatory and technical procedures.
The initiative encourages landowners to develop their properties or bring them into the market rather than leaving them unused.
Authorities also provide regulatory grace periods for owners actively pursuing development projects under approved guidelines.
Digital Services Accelerate Development
The Real Estate Developers Services Center “Etmam” continues to support landowners and developers through an integrated digital platform offering 38 services covering various stages of project development.
These services streamline licensing procedures, approvals, and coordination with relevant government entities, helping accelerate project execution.
Officials noted that combining regulatory measures with development support services has strengthened investment activity and improved land utilization.
Reduced Speculation and Increased Housing Supply
Industry experts believe the entry of 71 million square meters into development and trading demonstrates the effectiveness of government efforts to reduce land speculation and transform idle assets into productive projects.
The measures have also helped expand housing supply, encourage partnerships between developers and landowners, and attract new investments into the market.
Recent reports indicate noticeable declines in prices for some undeveloped land plots, supporting efforts to make housing more accessible and improve overall market stability.
