Arab News, Saturday, Dec 26, 2020 | Jamadi Al Awwal 11, 1442
First phase of Saudi Arabia’s idle land program to kick off in Madinah, Aseer: ministry
Saudi Arabia:
The Ministry
of Housing said Dec. 23 that the first phase of the idle land fees program will
start for the land plots located within the geographical scope of Madinah, as
well as the two cities of Khamis Mushait and Abha in Aseer, according to a
statement cited by Saudi Press Agency.
The proposed
geographical scope of each city was reviewed and land plots were recorded, in
preparation for the application of the idle land program. The endorsed scope
came in line with the objectives of the program and also in conformity with the
municipality's strategic plans for target cities.
The Ministry of
Housing announced in September that the idle land fees program would include 17
new cities. Taxes will be charged in five cities before the end of the year,
namely Madinah, Abha, Taif, Khamis Mushait and Jazan. The remaining cities will
be subject to the white land levy next year, according to Argaam.
The second phase of
the program targets developed land plots, owned by one landlord with a total
area of over 10,000 square meters. The tax will be levied in the near term,
after completion of the required paperwork. The second phase of the program will
start in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
The program called
upon owners of undeveloped land plots, with a space of not less than 10,000
square meters to register their land within six months, so as not to be fined by
up to 100 percent of the fee value.