المملكة: "today" Monitors the most important decisions and reforms that will come into effect at the beginning of 2026 – Urgent
As the year 2026 enters, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing the implementation of a package of new decisions and legislation within the framework of Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the investment environment, stimulate Economic growth, improving public health, and protecting rights, in addition to developing logistical and digital services.
Investment openness and foreign ownership of real estate
The system of non-Saudi ownership of real estate is one of the most prominent new legislations that will come into effect in early January 2026. The updated system allows individuals and foreign companies to own residential, commercial, and industrial real estate in most regions of the Kingdom, with special geographical controls in cities such as Mecca. Medina, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
This transformation aims to attract foreign direct investments, stimulate the real estate market, and increase demand for urban projects. It is expected to contribute to enhancing economic diversification and supporting The goals of Vision 2030to make the Kingdom a global investment destination.
Amending the sweetened beverage tax
enters the The new excise taxon sweetened drinks will come into effect in January 2026, replacing the previous fixed system of “50%” with a graduated volumetric model based on the sugar content per 100 milliliters.
A higher tax will be imposed on products with high sugar, with low-sugar or artificially sweetened drinks exempted. This measure comes as part of broad efforts to improve public health, encourage healthy choices, and enhance non-oil revenues.
Mandatory to pay domestic workers’ salaries electronically: protecting workers’ rights
As of January 1, 2026, paying domestic workers’ salaries electronically becomes mandatory for all employers, through official channels such as the “Musaned” platform, digital wallets, and banks.
This decision represents the final stage of the gradual implementation that began in 2024, and aims to ensure payment transparency, protect workers’ rights, facilitate proof of salaries, and reduce disputes. Workers are allowed to withdraw salaries in cash via official cards if necessary.
Requiring a national address for postal shipments: increasing delivery efficiency
From January 1, 2026, postal and delivery companies will not accept any shipment or parcel without an accurate national address for the recipient.
The decision aims to speed up delivery operations, improve the experience of beneficiaries, support the growth of e-commerce, and raise the efficiency of logistics services. The national address can be registered or updated via platforms such as “Absher,” “Tawakkalna,” “Sahati,” and “Sabil.”
These decisions embody the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 in building a prosperous economy, a vibrant society, and an ambitious nation, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and investment openness.
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