Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment has unveiled a new set of requirements for non-resident foreign companies seeking to own property in the kingdom without engaging in economic activities, marking a significant regulatory update under the Investor Guide 2026.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia continues to refine its investment framework and strengthen transparency around foreign real estate ownership, in line with the kingdom’s new Investment Law, a Saudi Gazette report said.

According to the ministry, foreign companies applying to own property must submit a commercial registration certificate issued in their home country. The document must be translated by an accredited translation office and authenticated by the Saudi Embassy. Companies are also required to provide their articles of incorporation, translated and certified through the same process.

Registration and representation requirements

The ministry said applicants must submit an authorization document appointing a company representative, with the document translated and authenticated by the Saudi Embassy.

Read more-Foreigners owning property in Saudi: The rules you need to know

In addition, companies are required to appoint a natural person as their authorised representative through a certified power of attorney to complete registration procedures.

The ministry noted that companies without an identification document recognised under Saudi regulations must obtain a digital identity through Saudi diplomatic missions abroad before proceeding with the registration process.

Annual updates and compliance obligations

For annual registration updates, the ministry stipulated that no changes should have occurred to a company’s ownership structure or management after its registration with the Ministry of Investment.

Officials said the service is now available immediately through the ministry’s electronic portal, providing foreign firms with a streamlined route to complete registration requirements.

Major update to foreign property ownership rules

A key addition to the Investor Guide 2026 is a dedicated chapter titled “Registration of Non-Saudi Companies for Property Ownership Purposes,” which outlines the procedures governing foreign corporate ownership of real estate in the kingdom.

The chapter details registration requirements, the appointment of authorised representatives, obligations related to property management and disposal, as well as procedures for opening bank accounts and updating company and representative information with relevant authorities.

The ministry described the addition as one of the most significant updates in the 2026 edition of the guide, noting that property ownership by foreign companies had not previously been addressed with this level of detail or in a standalone framework.

Bahrain activated warning sirens nationwide and Kuwait reported intercepting missile and drone threats in the early hours of Saturday, as military tensions continued to escalate across the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments came a day after the United States military said Iran launched seven ballistic missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain following a series of military exchanges involving US forces, Iranian drones and maritime traffic near the strategic waterway.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iran fired seven ballistic missiles towards the two Gulf states on Friday after US forces intercepted four Iranian one-way attack drones heading towards the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said the drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic, prompting US forces to strike Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island.

Initial assessments indicated that six of the missiles were intercepted, while a seventh failed to reach its intended target.

“There are currently no reports of harm to US personnel,” CENTCOM said, adding that Iranian claims of damage to the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain were false.

Bahrain activates emergency measures

Residents across Bahrain were urged to move to safe locations after warning sirens were activated nationwide at approximately 4:15am local time on Saturday.

In an alert issued by the Ministry of Interior, citizens and residents were advised to remain calm and follow emergency guidance issued by authorities.

The precautionary measures came amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over potential threats to civilian areas.

Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and remains a strategically important security partner for the United States in the Gulf.

Kuwait intercepts missile and drone threats

In neighbouring Kuwait, the country’s General Staff of the Armed Forces said air defence systems were responding to missile and drone threats in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to state news agency KUNA, any explosions heard across the country were the result of interception operations carried out by Kuwaiti air defence systems.

Military officials urged residents to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

The latest incident follows an attack earlier this week on Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in casualties, injuries and significant damage to Terminal 1, prompting heightened security measures across the country.

Iran claims tanker strike

Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted one of four oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC claimed the vessels ignored warnings from Iranian authorities and were attempting what it described as an “illegal transit” through the strategic waterway, alleging the move had been encouraged by the US military.

Iranian authorities said one tanker was struck and forced to halt, while the remaining vessels turned back.

The claim could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate confirmation from shipping authorities or international maritime agencies regarding damage to any commercial vessel.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the biggest tournament in football history, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For businesses across the UAE, the expanded tournament presents a significant commercial opportunity. Broadcasters, streaming platforms, hotels, restaurants, sports bars, food delivery operators and advertisers are expected to benefit from a month-long surge in football viewership, particularly as many matches will be played during late-evening and overnight hours in the Gulf region.

The tournament kicks off on June 11 with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa and concludes on July 19 with the final. While the majority of fixtures will be played between 11pm and 8am UAE time, the schedule includes a number of prime-time matches that could drive increased consumer spending across hospitality and entertainment venues.

The expanded format introduces a Round of 32 for the first time, increasing the total number of knockout matches and extending the tournament’s commercial footprint. The latter stages are expected to deliver some of the highest audience figures of the year, with the semi-finals scheduled for July 14 and 15 and the final taking place at 11pm UAE time on July 19.

For businesses planning campaigns, activations or extended operating hours, below is the complete FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule in UAE time.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) have announced additional precautionary measures for travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of South Sudan as part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen preparedness against the Ebola virus.

The measures form part of the country’s proactive strategy to safeguard public health and enhance national readiness in response to developments related to Ebola, authorities said on Friday, a WAM report conveyed.

New restrictions to take effect on June 6

According to the two authorities, the issuance of all new visas for nationals of the three countries, including visit visas, will be suspended beginning at 13:00 on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Read more-New Ebola advisory issued: Emirates, Oman issue travel rules

Officials noted that the decision may be extended depending on the evolving health situation and ongoing risk assessments. Cargo flight operations between the UAE and the three countries will continue without disruption.

The authorities said travelers arriving directly from the listed countries will be denied entry to the UAE under the new measures.

Transit passengers also affected

The restrictions will also apply to passengers traveling through one or more transit destinations if they have recently been in the affected countries. However, travelers who have remained outside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for more than 21 days before arriving in the UAE will be permitted entry.

Authorities clarified that transit flight operations through UAE airports will continue as normal and will not be impacted by the new procedures.

In a joint statement, NCEMA and ICP reaffirmed their commitment to closely monitoring developments related to the Ebola virus in coordination with local and international partners. The authorities added that they will continue evaluating potential risks in other countries and implement any necessary measures in accordance with approved health standards and ongoing risk assessments.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reaffirmed the importance of the Wage Protection System (WPS) as a cornerstone of the UAE’s labour market framework, highlighting its role in promoting transparency, safeguarding workers’ rights and strengthening compliance across the private sector.

According to the ministry, the WPS continues to support labour market stability by ensuring the timely payment of wages, reinforcing confidence in employment relationships and reducing potential disruptions to business operations. The system also plays a key role in protecting employees while contributing to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the UAE economy.

Updated framework focuses on governance and transparency

MoHRE said the latest decision is part of ongoing efforts to further develop the regulatory and procedural framework governing the Wage Protection System. The enhancements are designed to strengthen oversight and governance mechanisms while supporting stable employment relationships and maintaining the UAE’s attractiveness as a destination for global talent, a WAM report said.

The ministry stressed that the decision does not impose any new substantive obligations on employers. Instead, it formalises and streamlines existing procedures related to wage payment monitoring, providing greater clarity regarding employer responsibilities and improving the efficiency of compliance processes.

Read more-New UAE salary rule drives 151% jump in WPS transactions at Al Ansari

Officials noted that the refined framework is intended to facilitate the faster resolution of delayed wage payment cases and enable early intervention when issues arise. This approach helps minimise potential impacts on employment relationships and business continuity while serving the interests of both employers and workers.

Gradual approach encourages early compliance

A key feature of the updated framework is its gradual and balanced approach to addressing delayed wage payments.

MoHRE explained that the process begins with electronic monitoring and notifications to employers when delays are detected. Establishments are given adequate time to address payment issues and rectify their status before administrative measures are introduced within approved timelines.

The Ministry said this preventive approach is designed to encourage compliance at an early stage and reduce the likelihood of prolonged violations that could affect labour market stability or disrupt business operations.

In addition, MoHRE clarified that an establishment will be considered compliant if it transfers at least 85 percent of total wages due within the specified timeframe.

The Ministry said this threshold reflects a practical and flexible approach that balances the operational realities faced by businesses with the need to ensure workers receive their wages in a timely manner.

Risk-based monitoring targets key sectors

MoHRE also highlighted that compliance monitoring measures are implemented through a risk-based model that takes into account the nature of economic activities and workforce size.

Particular attention is given to labour-intensive sectors and large-scale operations, where delayed wage payments may have a more significant impact on labour relations and business continuity.

According to the Ministry, the targeted approach is intended to support the stability and sustainability of critical economic sectors while protecting the interests of both employers and employees.

The scale of the Wage Protection System underscores its importance to the UAE economy. MoHRE revealed that the system processes more than Dhs37bn in wage payments each month, reinforcing its position as a key pillar of labour market stability and business confidence.

The Ministry said the continued evolution of the WPS reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening labour market governance, protecting workers’ rights and supporting long-term economic growth.