Saudi Arabia strategic Projects: news, discussions & updates
- Thread starter The SC
- Start date
If possible please mention the name of places when you share such images. I often travel to Saudi Arabia, maybe one day I will be able to explore these beautiful places
Snow in Saudi? I know Taif is cold but snow like this?
_Arabia_
Trusted Member
@Mr X
Snow in KSA is mostly in Northern Hijaz (around Tabuk and vicinity where most of those photos are from) and Northern parts in KSA but it it can occur in central and southern Hijaz as well in high elevations 2500-3000 meters above sea level but it is more rare. Occasionally you can have snowfall in the interior (Najd) as well. Everywhere else it is very rare but still a large portion of KSA.
Do not forget that KSA is going to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029:
2029 Asian Winter Games - Wikipedia
As for areas, pretty much all over KSA.
Most welcome, brother.
BTW KSA is so huge that I don't know all of its areas and parts that well. It is like that with most Saudi Arabians in particular as more and more venture into the main cities (a few clusters across the country such as Riyadh, Jeddah etc.).
Many, many hidden gems out there.
The almost 1500 islands in KSA alone, on both coastlines, are a global marvel (some of the areas, as can be seen by my photos on this page, are turning into world class tourist destinations - Red Sea Island resorts etc.) not to mention the unique Red Sea marine life and ecosystem. KSA is home to the second largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. And most importantly it is the only coral reef on earth that is not declining but growing.
The Rub' al-Khali is also a world by itself. One of the most isolated places on earth. Many areas of it have never been stepped foot onto. There are huge lakes, seasonal wadis and surreal desert landscapes (highest sand dunes in the world). Many photos available on Google. KSA is also home to some of the largest amount of volcanoes and volcanic areas, (Hijaz and Western regions in particular) and this also gives life to surreal landscapes, some of which I have posted. Areas the size of France just full of volcanoes, volcanic mountains and deserts etc.
In KSA you will find everything, ancient monuments and artifacts, huge mountainous areas, every kind of desert you can imagine (Grand Canyon like landscapes, sand dunes, volcanic desert areas, mountainous deserts, Rocky Mountains desert areas) ancient traditional towns and villages, almost 3000 + of coastline, almost 1500 islands (many tropical), steppe, lakes, wadis, green/tropical areas, snow, soon permanent ski resorts, modern cities, large metropolis, Makkah, Madinah, religious/Islamic historical areas etc. Huge amount of giga and mega projects that are turning KSA into tourist/entertainment hub as well. Of course a lot to improve out there as well but things are moving in the right direction steadily. Looking forward, if I stay alive, Insha'Allah and Allah (swt) allows for it, to see KSA in 10-15 years time or more. Also don't forget the "Greening Arabia" project and the very ambitious goal of re-greening huge areas of KSA. Already almost 20% of KSA is made up of national parks and nature reserves (covered in this thread a few pages back).
Ending the photos here.
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@Mr X
Snow in KSA is mostly in Northern Hijaz (around Tabuk and vicinity where most of those photos are from) and Northern parts in KSA but it it can occur in central and southern Hijaz as well in high elevations 2500-3000 meters above sea level but it is more rare. Occasionally you can have snowfall in the interior (Najd) as well. Everywhere else it is very rare but still a large portion of KSA.
Do not forget that KSA is going to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029:
2029 Asian Winter Games - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
As for areas, pretty much all over KSA.
Most welcome, brother.
BTW KSA is so huge that I don't know all of its areas and parts that well. It is like that with most Saudi Arabians in particular as more and more venture into the main cities (a few clusters across the country such as Riyadh, Jeddah etc.).
Many, many hidden gems out there.
The almost 1500 islands in KSA alone, on both coastlines, are a global marvel (some of the areas, as can be seen by my photos on this page, are turning into world class tourist destinations - Red Sea Island resorts etc.) not to mention the unique Red Sea marine life and ecosystem. KSA is home to the second largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. And most importantly it is the only coral reef on earth that is not declining but growing.
The Rub' al-Khali is also a world by itself. One of the most isolated places on earth. Many areas of it have never been stepped foot onto. There are huge lakes, seasonal wadis and surreal desert landscapes (highest sand dunes in the world). Many photos available on Google. KSA is also home to some of the largest amount of volcanoes and volcanic areas, (Hijaz and Western regions in particular) and this also gives life to surreal landscapes, some of which I have posted. Areas the size of France just full of volcanoes, volcanic mountains and deserts etc.
In KSA you will find everything, ancient monuments and artifacts, huge mountainous areas, every kind of desert you can imagine (Grand Canyon like landscapes, sand dunes, volcanic desert areas, mountainous deserts, Rocky Mountains desert areas) ancient traditional towns and villages, almost 3000 + of coastline, almost 1500 islands (many tropical), steppe, lakes, wadis, green/tropical areas, snow, soon permanent ski resorts, modern cities, large metropolis, Makkah, Madinah, religious/Islamic historical areas etc. Huge amount of giga and mega projects that are turning KSA into tourist/entertainment hub as well. Of course a lot to improve out there as well but things are moving in the right direction steadily. Looking forward, if I stay alive, Insha'Allah and Allah (swt) allows for it, to see KSA in 10-15 years time or more. Also don't forget the "Greening Arabia" project and the very ambitious goal of re-greening huge areas of KSA. Already almost 20% of KSA is made up of national parks and nature reserves (covered in this thread a few pages back).
Ending the photos here.
Please when you write something, try to write as brief as possible.
I used to struggle a lot for my university assignment when they would ask me a very lengthy question and I was able to answer in 2000 words but the uni had set a limit of 700 words. I wouldn’t know which part to skip and had to weigh cons and pros of what to include and what not to… but it helped me in real life so I try to use 300 words to explain the same thing that I would have otherwise explained in 800.
I have …… post deleted
_Arabia_
Trusted Member
Sorry, I was not aware how familiar you are with KSA. My post was also directed to anyone reading it. I can make short posts if necessary but sometimes I tend to go for longer explanations.
The kafala system has ended in KSA and a new more modern system has replaced it.
Saudi Arabia Ends Kafala System: Implications for Business
Saudi Arabia announced the abolition of the kafala system in June 2025, marking a historic shift to contract-based employment.
The premium residency permit (so-called Green Card) is given to highly-skilled individuals or investors.
Saudi Premium Residency: Your Route to Permanent Residency in 2025
This is everything you need to know about Saudi Premium Residency, including eligibility, benefits, and application steps.Danny Bateman | 6 February 2025
To boost its Vision 2030 agenda for massive economic transformation, Saudi Arabia has launched the new Saudi Premium Residency Visa program to attract global talent and investment.
This ‘Saudi Green Card’ provides residency rights to investors, entrepreneurs and high-value workers without the need for a local sponsor. It allows unrestricted freedom of movement, as well as the right to set up and manage businesses.
This guide sets out the latest Saudi Premium Residency products and their allowances for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals looking to expand their operations into Saudi Arabia.
Whether you’re seeking to simplify visa processes, optimise tax structures, or streamline HR and relocation, the Premium Residency Program presents a compelling proposition.
What are the New Saudi Premium Residency Products?
The Saudi Premium Residency Program, overseen by the Saudi Premium Residency Center, provides foreign nationals with a choice between limited-duration and unlimited-duration residency options.The program allows expatriates to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without needing a sponsor. Both individual entrepreneurs and businesses will
Key Saudi Premium Residency Products in 2025
Special Talent Residency
This Product targets skilled professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research whose knowledge and experience would benefit the country’s transformation.General Benefits
- Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
- Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
- Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
- Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
- The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
- Use tracks dedicated to citizens and GCC nationals at airports.
- The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
- Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
- Own and Usufruct real estate.
Special Benefits
- Eligibility for permanent residency upon meeting conditions.
- Exemption of the primary premium residency holder from the (Nitaqat) Program.
Eligibility Criteria
1. For Researchers, Healthcare, and Scientific Professionals
A: Researchers:- Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specializations.
- Minimum monthly salary of SAR 14,000.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- More than three years of work experience in a related field.
- Minimum score in the points system.
- Recommendation letter from the employer.
- A minimum of 3 research in a related field.
- Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specializations.
- Minimum monthly salary of 35,000 SAR.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- More than three years of work experience in a related field.
- Minimum score in the points system.
- Recommendation letter from the employer.
2. For Executives
- Employment contract for executives at the first or second level, with a total minimum monthly wage of 80,000 SAR.
- Recommendation letter from the employer
Residency Duration
- A five-year fixed-term residency, renewable for one term upon meeting product eligibility criteria.
- Permanent residency status, upon continued adherence to product eligibility standards and a residency for 30 months in 5 consecutive or non-consecutive years.
Onetime fee:
4,000 SARGifted Residency
The Gifted Residency Product is a key lever in Saudi Arabia’s push into the global cultural and sporting spheres, as exemplified by events like Riyadh Season and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.The program seeks to attract distinguished talents in these fields.
General Benefits
- Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
- Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
- Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
- Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
- The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
- Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
- The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
- Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
- Own and Usufruct real estate.
Special Benefits
- Obtain permanent residency upon meeting the conditions.
- Exemption of the primary premium residency holder from the “Nitaqat” Program.
Eligibility Criteria
A: First Category:- Before applying for the Gifted Residency, all applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria.
- Nomination or receiving one of the specified exceptional awards.
- Meeting the minimum financial capability (ensuring the ability to bear the cost of living in Saudi).
- Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports based on the applicant’s field (The Premium Residency Center coordinates with the Ministries of Sports and Culture to obtain a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant for a “Gifted” Premium Residency product).
- Before applying for the Gifted Residency, all applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria.
- Fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria approved by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Sports.
- Meeting the minimum financial capability (ensuring the ability to bear the cost of living in the Saudi).
- Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports based on the applicant’s field (The Premium Residency Center coordinates with the Ministries of Sports and Culture to obtain a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant for a “Gifted” Premium Residency product).
Residency Duration
- A fixed term residency for five years, renewable once upon meeting the eligibility criteria for the product and having a residence for a period of 30 months during five years either consecutive or non-consecutive.
- Permanent residency when continuously meeting the eligibility criteria for the product and having a residence for a period of 30 months during five years, either consecutive or non-consecutive, and receiving an endorsement to have a permanent residency from the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports
Onetime fee:
4,000 SARInvestor Residency
This product is intended for investors looking to conduct business in Saudi Arabia. As part of the Kingdom’s huge diversification push, Saudi authorities are attempting to position the country as an investment destination for sectors far beyond its traditional specialisations in fossil fuels. This residency product aims to make Saudi attractive as a place to settle in, as well as capitalise.General Benefits
- Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
- Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
- Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
- Exit and return to Saudi for the Premium Residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
- The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
- Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
- The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
- Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
- Own and Usufruct real estate.
Special Benefits
- Directly obtaining permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to qualify for the Investor Residency.
- Holding an investment license
- Submitting a valid license(s) issued by the Ministry of Investment for an investment(s), with a minimum of 7 million SAR as an applicant’s share
- Valid Commercial Registration
- Memorandum of Association showing investor shares
Residency Duration
Direct permanent residency conditioned on:- Injecting SAR 7 million during the first two years.
- Creating 10 jobs during the first two years.
Onetime fee:
4,000 SAREntrepreneur Residency
This product is designed for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to move into growth sectors in Saudi.As Saudi advances in key global competitiveness and small investor protection indices, it aims to become a top destination for entrepreneurship. The product seeks to create a more stable and nurturing incubator environment for founders and SMEs.
General Benefits
- Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
- Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
- Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
- Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
- The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
- Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
- The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
- Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
- Own and Usufruct real estate.
Special Benefits
- Nominate two staff members to obtain the “Special Talent” Residency and to be exempted from its criteria (e.g., Executives).
- The entity exemption from “Nitaqat” for the first 3 operational years.
- 2nd category: Directly obtain permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria
- First Category
- Holding an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
- Obtain a minimum of 400,000 SAR round/s as investment from an entity accredited by the Center.
- Recommendation letter from the investment entity.
- The applicant’s share in the company is not less than 20%.
- Second Category
- Holding an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
- Obtain a minimum of 15 Million SAR round/s as investment from an entity accredited by the Center.
- Recommendation letter from the investment entity.
- The applicant’s share in the start-up is not less than 10%.
- Create at least 10 jobs during the first year and at least 10 additional jobs during the second year.
Residency Duration
First Category: A fixed-term residency for five years, renewable for one term upon continued adherence to eligibility standards of the 1st group, and a residency for 30 months in 5 years.Second Category: Permanent residency directly, conditioned on creating at least 10 jobs in the first year and at least 10 jobs in the second year.
Onetime fee:
4,000 SARReal Estate Owner Residency
This Product targets owners of properties in Saudi Arabia worth over SAR 4,000,000.Saudi is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked third among G20 nations in the Security Indicator. One of its Vision 2030 aims is that three of its cities will rank among the world’s hundred most liveable.
General Benefits
- Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
- Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
- Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
- Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
- The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
- Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
- The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
- Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
- Own and Usufruct real estate.
Eligibility Criteria
- Own or Usufruct real estate assets worth a minimum of SAR 4,000,000 within Saudi
- The property is free from existing and future mortgages.
- The real estate must be residential.
- The real estate must be developed and not from undeveloped or unimproved lands.
- The real estate asset must be appraised by accredited valuers within the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers “Taqeem”.
Residency Duration
Tied to real estate ownership or usufructOnetime fee:
4,000 SARLimited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency
This offering is specifically crafted for individuals seeking Permanent or Annual Residency in Saudi.The Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency products make permanent residency an easier prospect for high-value individuals.
General Benefits
- Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
- Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
- Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
- Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
- The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
- Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
- The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
- Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
- Own and Usufruct real estate.
Eligibility Criteria
Providing proof of the applicant’s financial capability.Applicants must also have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months at the time of application.
All conditions are subject to change
Residency Duration:
Limited Duration Premium Residency: A Fixed-term residency for one year up to 5 years, renewable.Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: Permanent residency.
Onetime fee:
Limited Duration Premium Residency: 100,000 SAR for each year.Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: 800,000 SAR.
Living in Saudi Arabia
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- Upscale residential areas and gated communities.
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FAQS About Saudi Premium Residency Program
Can I switch between residency products? Yes, holders may apply for a different product by submitting a new application, provided they meet the specific eligibility criteria.Does Premium Residency facilitate Saudi citizenship? While Premium Residency offers permanent residency, it does not directly lead to citizenship. Naturalisation in Saudi Arabia remains a complex process.
What is the application process? Applications can be submitted through the official Premium Residency Center website (pr.gov.sa). Tools like the eligibility checker simplify the process by assessing an applicant’s qualifications.
Are there alternative programs in other countries? Comparable programs, such as Portugal’s Golden Visa, offer similar pathways to residency or citizenship. However, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program is distinct in its focus on fostering economic growth and attracting specialised talent.
Family members eligible for Saudi Premium Residency? Family members, including spouses, children under 25, and parents, are eligible for residency under the Premium Residency Program. Children with special needs and unmarried daughters over 25 can also qualify.
What differentiates Premium Residency from the Investor Visa? Premium Residency offers more flexibility, including the ability to work in the private sector and own real estate directly, unlike the Investor Visa, which ties holders to their investment establishment.
Saudi Premium Residency: Your Route to Permanent Residency in 2026
This is everything you need to know about Saudi Premium Residency, including eligibility, benefits, and application steps.
www.centuroglobal.com
Premium Residency - Wikipedia
Ta'if is an ancient Hijazi city and located almost 2000 meters above sea level - one of the highest located cities in the region. It is the summer capital of the country in many ways - the government often relocates there during the 3-4 summer months. Many beautiful natural areas in the vicinity with many charming mountain villages and smaller towns. A lot of agricultural areas too and famous for its rose production (perfumes and rose oil). Famous for its souq okaz too. Very close to Makkah and Jeddah.
Highly recommend region of KSA along with next door Al-Jawf and Ha'il provinces.
Desert Rock resort, around 40 km away from Hanak in Tabuk Province:
Some nearby areas:
The SC
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