Saudi Arabia’s newly publicized law permitting foreigners to own property could seem to promise openness and reform. On initial inspection, this new law could even lead one to think that the Kingdom is positioning itself to become a world player, willing to accept investors and residents from everywhere on the globe. But for observers keenly aware of Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy and its human rights record, social freedom, and sportswashing, this latest development is more camouflage than change.
As a firm believer in excluding Saudi Arabia from being allowed to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, I regard such a law as not being an improvement, but just another strategic move to gloss over the Kingdom’s global reputation while underlying problems are still left untackled.
A Law Set Up for Applause
Saudi Arabia released a new law on July 25, 2025, giving non-Saudis the right to own or rent property in areas designated by the government. Foreigners, firms, and organizations will be allowed to purchase real estate — even in previously prohibited cities like Makkah and Madinah — subject to conditions.
On the surface, this looks like an attempt at modernization, consistent with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and limit its reliance on oil. But do we ask who really gains from this policy — the regime, or the people?
What the New Law Actually Does
Although the new law is hailed as a major relaxation of real estate policy, it is accompanied by levels of restriction and proviso:
- Limited geographic areas: Foreigners are permitted to buy only within zones approved by the government.
- Makkah and Madinah are still off-limits: Unless under exceptional circumstances for Muslim nationals or business needs of foreign entities.
- 5% transfer tax: Added to govern foreign participation.
- Harsh penalties: Offenses are punishable with SR10 million fine or compulsory sale of property.
Real Reform or Strategic Diversion?
Saudi Arabia’s bid to open up its real estate market to foreigners is not taking place in a vacuum. It’s one of the initiatives that comprise a larger effort to rebrand the Kingdom in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, of which Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder confirmed.
Just like Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, this is sportswashing at work — leveraging a global sporting event to deflect from domestic repression, human rights abuses, and political freedom.
This new property ownership legislation feeds into that same script. It has nothing to do with equality or rights; it’s all about optics.
Why This Law Won’t Fool FIFA or the World
FIFA’s own Human Rights Policy, which was ratified in 2017, requires the organization to “respect and promote human rights in all its activities.” If that promise is sincere, then granting Saudi Arabia the World Cup in 2034 goes directly against it.
Let’s look at the contradictions:
1. No Freedom of Expression
Even as Saudi Arabia says it’s opening up to the world, its own citizens — and foreign visitors — remain under rigid restrictions:
- Dissent is made a crime. Nearly 180 people were executed for this crime
- Since 2024 several journalists and activists are arrested and tortured.
- Women require male guardian approval for many simple activities.
Home ownership in Riyadh does not necessarily mean liberty within it. The regime reaches into every aspect of private life.
2. Nontransparent Legal System
Foreign buyers could be permitted to buy property, but their rights are conditional and restricted. The framework is still tightly centralized, with the Real Estate General Authority, a state-controlled body, delegated broad powers.
3. Moral Inconsistencies in Real Estate Law
If this law were really one of fairness and modernization:
- Why keep limitations on Makkah and Madinah on most foreigners?
- Why have such steep penalties and bureaucratic barriers?
- Why not develop a uniform civil code for all property owners?
The law’s selective application reinforces the Kingdom’s purpose: to appear open while remaining closed.
Sports, Property & Human Rights: A Global Warning
Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars in buying stakes in European soccer clubs, sponsoring esports competitions, staging boxing bouts, and now bidding for the World Cup.
It is not a coincidence — it’s a carefully crafted geopolitics strategy to gild its autocratic rule with a progressive, accepting veneer. This real estate legislation will no doubt be marketed by Saudi PR outlets as evidence that the Kingdom is open to accepting diversity and global values.
But law about property cannot wash away war crimes, delete imprisoned dissidents, or fill the gap left by the democratic values FIFA pretends to hold.
Why FIFA Needs to Recalculate 2034
Let us be crystal clear: letting Saudi Arabia host the World Cup would be a denigration of football values worldwide. Here’s why:
- Women’s Rights: Women continue to be denied equal protection and liberty despite cosmetic reforms.
- LGBTQ+ Persecution: Homosexuality is illegal; hosting an open-to-all fans tournament becomes risky and discriminatory.
- Abuse of Migrant Workers: While not yet on Qatar’s scale, Saudi Arabian construction work and labor conditions are already under the microscope.
- Freedom of the Press: Journalists are threatened and persecuted — a free press cannot be allowed during such a worldwide occurrence in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia might now allow foreigners to buy homes — but if the World Cup is hosted there, fans might not be safe, free, or equal yet.
The Bigger Picture: Buying Reform Doesn’t Equal Earning It
This legislation, like so many of Saudi Arabia’s recent economic initiatives, seeks to purchase legitimacy globally. But legitimacy in the eyes of the global community — and particularly in the sporting one — is not realized through transactional legislation or flashy investments.
It is achieved through sustained adherence to justice, equality, and freedom — principles Saudi Arabia remains to defy.
FIFA should not forget that it is not merely a sports organization; it is a symbol of global unity. Allowing Saudi Arabia to host the World Cup would be tantamount to rewarding oppression with applause.
Hold Saudi Arabia Accountable
As world citizens, football enthusiasts, human rights supporters, and freedom defenders, we must resist Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Don’t be fooled by superficial reforms such as the foreign property law. Demand accountability. Demand genuine change. Demand that FIFA honor its commitments. If FIFA truly cares about human rights, then Saudi Arabia’s 2034 bid should be rejected, not rewarded.