Introduction: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced significant amendments to the Rules of Implementation (Executive Regulations) to the White Land Tax Law, which became effective immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette on 22 August 2025 (28 Safar 1447H) and supersedes all previous regulations. These changes are designed to enhance regulatory clarity and transparency, ensure fair enforcement, and promote better utilization of urban land in line with development priorities. Purpose of the White Land Tax Law (Law): The White Land Tax Law was first issued on 24 November, 2015; yet, it has undergone several amendments and most of the provisions have been amended by different decrees and the Executive Regulations reflect all of the amendments. The core purpose

What is FIDIC Saudi Arabia? FIDIC, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, is an international organization known for developing standard contract forms that govern construction and engineering projects worldwide; it represents over one million engineering professionals and 40,000 firms in about 100 countries worldwide. These contracts aim to streamline roles, responsibilities, and risk allocation between employers, contractors, and consultants. Why FIDIC Matters in Saudi Arabia Due to their standardized, balanced risk allocation and robust dispute resolution mechanisms, which are crucial for the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 projects such as NEOM, The Line, and other giga-projects reshaping the Kingdom’s landscape, the use of internationally accepted contract frameworks like FIDIC ensures consistency, legal clarity, and global investor confidence. Moreover, government entities and

Introduction Under the ambitious umbrella of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a historic transformation aimed at diversifying its economy, reducing its dependence on oil revenues, and positioning the Kingdom as a global investment powerhouse. Central to this vision are giga-projects massive multi-sectoral developments like NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, AMAALA, and the Red Sea Project. These projects are reshaping the Kingdom’s urban, environmental, tourism, and technological infrastructure. However, the scale and complexity of giga-projects require a robust legal framework to manage regulatory compliance, investment protection, construction and operational risks, and dispute resolution. As legal advisors to investors, developers, and public-private partnerships in Saudi Arabia, AlGhazzawi & Partners explores the legal opportunities and challenges that accompany Saudi Arabia’s giga-project

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation has thrust ESG into the spotlight. Regulators are actively embedding sustainability into national strategy. For example, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) issued voluntary ESG disclosure guidelines in 2019, and the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) issued its own ESG reporting framework in 2021. As Tadawul CEO Mohammed Al‑Rumaih observes, “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation under Vision 2030” centered on a sustainable financial ecosystem. Although formal ESG reporting is not yet mandatory, these guidelines signal a legal and cultural shift: according to Chambers & Partners, “no specific ESG reporting requirements” exist today, but Tadawul ESG disclosure guidelines serve as a resource for issuers. The government is now moving to codify ESG standards nationally – the Ministry

Saudi Arabia’s new Executive Regulations for Labor Inspection, effective from September 1, 2025, aim to modernize workplace oversight by integrating digital tools, standardizing inspections, and aligning labor practices with Vision 2030. The regulations enhance transparency, protect worker rights, and support employers through structured compliance guidance. In a significant move to modernize labor governance in line with Vision 2030, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has issued Ministerial Decision No. 120279 dated 28/8/1446H, approving the new Executive Regulations for Labor Inspection and its Organization. This regulation was published in the Official Gazette (Umm Al-Qura) in issue number 5048 on 10/09/1446H and went into effect in conjunction with the amendments to the Saudi Labor Law outlined in Royal Decree No. (M/44) dated 08/02/1444H. These new regulations mark a significant overhaul

Saudi Arabia is steadily positioning itself as a global financial hub. The latest move by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), the proposed Offshore Securities Business License marks a milestone in this journey. Designed to attract international investors and foreign financial institutions, this license offers a structured, credible path to operate from Saudi Arabia while servicing offshore clients, and aligns with the broader goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 financial reforms. The License will be granted to foreign capital market institutions to operate offshore securities business through their regional headquarters As AlGhazzawi & Partners, a leading Saudi legal firm for financial licensing, we are well-positioned legal advisory for foreign financial institutions to help them seize this opportunity and navigate the new regulatory terrain with confidence. Key Benefits of Saudi Financial Licensing for Foreign

In recent years, open banking has redefined the future of the global financial sector, fostering innovation, competition, and customer empowerment. Through a secure Application Programming Interface (API), open banking allows customers to share their financial data with licensed third-party providers (TPPs), enabling tailored services that go beyond traditional banking. Under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has committed to becoming a regional FinTech hub. As part of this transformation, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) launched the Open Banking Framework, a pivotal step in modernizing the Kingdom’s financial infrastructure and ensuring that innovation and regulation evolve hand-in-hand. In this article, we explore what open banking means for Saudi Arabia, its regulatory landscape, and the critical legal considerations that financial institutions and third-party providers must address. What Is

As Saudi Arabia advances under its Vision 2030 goals, the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape has become a focal point for both local and international investors. With the Kingdom’s strategic emphases on economic diversification, privatization, and fostering foreign investment, M&A activities are witnessing an unprecedented growth. Key drivers of M&A activities in the Kingdom include Vision 2030 Investment Opportunities & Initiatives: Government-led programs focusing on privatization and public-private partnerships (PPPs) have created new opportunities for investors for expansion consolidation through both the organic and inorganic growth. Sectoral Growth: Industries such as healthcare, mining, energy, technology, and entertainment are experiencing rapid expansion, attracting M&A interest. Regulatory Reforms: Streamlined business regulations and enhanced foreign ownership laws have facilitated cross-border M&A deals. Legal Framework

Introduction As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform global industries and redefine economic priorities, Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive legislative approach to enhance its leadership in the field. In alignment with Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Data & Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI), the Kingdom has introduced a groundbreaking legislative initiative: the Draft Global AI Hub Law. Issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) on April 14, 2025, the draft law is designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global destination for AI innovation and investment. It proposes a legal framework to regulate the development, deployment, and governance of AI technologies, while also encouraging the establishment of sovereign data centers or “AI hubs” within the Kingdom’s jurisdiction.

Saudi Arabia is strengthening market transparency and introducing investment opportunities under Vision 2030 with several new regulatory frameworks. Among the latest developments is the Real Estate Transaction Tax law (RETT Law Saudi Arabia), enacted under Royal Decree No. M/84 on September 22, 2024. The law, effective starting April 9, 2025, establishes a unified tax regime for real estate transactions, replacing the previous segregated provisions. Key Features of the RETT Law Tax Imposition and Rate: The RETT Law introduces the Saudi Arabia real estate tax 2025 at a flat rate of 5% on the total value of real estate transactions. Subject to certain exemptions, this flat tax applies regardless of the property’s ownership, type, use, or condition, covering transactions involving residential, commercial,