Revolutionizing Urban Development: The New White Land Fee Program
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Priority Zone 1: 10% of land value
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Priority Zone 2: 7.5% of land value
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Priority Zone 3: 5% of land value
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Priority Zone 4: 2.5% of land value
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Outside priority areas: exempted from fees but counted within the owner’s total undeveloped land holdings in the city
The urban landscape of Riyadh is about to undergo a dramatic transformation with the introduction of the White Land Fee Program. Ministerial approval has been granted for the executive regulations governing this groundbreaking initiative, which will see all land uses subject to fees based on a five-tier system.
To be eligible for the program, plots must be listed in official urban boundary maps and have a minimum size of 5,000 square meters. This requirement applies whether the land is a single plot or part of a larger cumulative holding by one owner within the city.
A specialized technical committee, composed of licensed appraisers from the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers, will be established to assess land values and establish development timelines. Committee members will serve three-year terms, with the possibility of renewal.
On an annual basis, the Ministry will conduct a comprehensive review of land availability, housing units, market dynamics, prices, and potential monopolistic practices in each city. Based on these evaluations, adjustments may be made to the scope of the White Land Fee Program to ensure alignment with urban development priorities.
