Four Seasons Private Residences Diriyah Beckon Global Investors as Saudi's 2026 Foreign Ownership Law Takes Effect

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Diriyah Company and Midad Development and Real Estate Investment Company have announced a landmark $827 million (SAR 3.1 billion) joint venture to develop the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Diriyah.

This high-profile project spans 235,938 square meters within the historic Diriyah masterplan. It gains immediate relevance with Saudi Arabia's new foreign property ownership law now in force as of January 2026. The reform opens prime opportunities for international investors and buyers in luxury branded residences.

Project Highlights Focus on Exclusive Residences

The development features a 159-room luxury Four Seasons Hotel alongside premium Four Seasons Private Residences. These branded homes blend world-class design, exceptional service, and authentic Najdi heritage elements.

Residents will enjoy spacious layouts, private courtyards, infinity pools, and full access to hotel amenities. These include spas, fine dining, concierge services, and proximity to Diriyah's cultural districts, museums, and entertainment venues.

Positioned in a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, the residences offer a rare combination of cultural depth and modern luxury. They appeal to high-net-worth individuals seeking sophisticated lifestyle investments.

New Foreign Ownership Law Opens the Market

The Royal Decree M/14 law, effective January 2026, allows non-Saudis including individuals, companies, and foreign-owned entities to own residential and commercial properties in designated zones. Diriyah qualifies as a key area for such investments.

This marks a major shift from prior restrictions. Experts project it could expand the buyer pool by 40-60 percent and generate $2-3 billion in annual transactions within two years.

The Real Estate Owner Residency program complements the law. It grants premium long-term residency visas for qualifying investments of at least SAR 4 million (about $1.07 million) in residential properties. Benefits include visa-free travel, family inclusion, flexible work options without sponsorship, and business opportunities under Saudi regulations.

These changes position the Four Seasons Private Residences as an attractive entry point for global capital.

Leadership Comments on Strategic Timing

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, highlighted the partnership's significance. "The Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah will be one of our largest luxury hotels and we are proud to announce this joint development agreement with Midad, one of the Kingdom's leading real estate developers," he said. "This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enabling Saudi partners to participate in Diriyah's transformational journey."

Abdulelah bin Mohammed Al Aiban, President of Midad, emphasized the project's appeal. "This project represents a milestone for Midad, allowing us to bring the Four Seasons experience to one of Saudi Arabia's most significant heritage destinations," he noted. "We are excited to deliver a development that exemplifies design excellence, world-class service, and enduring value."

Branded Residences Boom in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia's luxury real estate sector is expanding rapidly. The market was valued at $15.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $25.7 billion by 2033.

Branded residences lead the growth, with over 2,000 units expected in the next five years. Four Seasons is expanding aggressively in the Kingdom, with multiple hotels and residential projects underway.

Other international brands, including Mandarin Oriental and Chedi, contribute to this surge. Vision 2030 drives the momentum through economic diversification and tourism goals.

Saudi banks now offer tailored financing to support international buyers. Demand rises from foreign residents and investors across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

The broader Diriyah masterplan, known as the "City of Earth," involves a $63.2 billion investment. It is expected to add $18.6 billion to GDP, create over 180,000 jobs, house 100,000 residents, and attract up to 50 million visitors annually.

As the new ownership framework activates, the Four Seasons Private Residences Diriyah stand ready to draw discerning global investors. They combine heritage preservation with high-yield luxury living in one of Saudi Arabia's most promising destinations.