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Lifetime Saudi Residency; Startup Lean Eyeing M&As; Dubai Penthouses Attracting Bids
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Saudi Arabia is set to grant lifetime residency to foreigners buying homes worth $1 million or more, opening full property ownership to non-GCC nationals for the first time. Meanwhile, Saudi fintech startup Lean Technologies is exploring acquisitions to expand beyond open banking as it lays the groundwork for a potential IPO, tapping growing demand for digital financial solutions in the Gulf. In Dubai, luxury real estate continues its surge, with off-plan waterfront penthouses at Brookfield’s Solaya development attracting global ultra-wealthy buyers, pushing prices above $24 million and reviving bidding wars reminiscent of the pre-2009 boom.
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Saudi Arabia To Offer Lifetime Residency To Foreigners Buying $1 Million Homes
What It’s About?
Saudi Arabia will grant lifetime residency to foreigners purchasing homes worth at least SAR4 million ($1 million), marking the first time full property ownership is open to non-GCC nationals, per an exclusive report by AGBI. The law, effective January 28, 2026, will apply to approved projects across Riyadh, Jeddah, and select giga-projects including Diriyah and Neom, under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to attract foreign investment and diversify the economy, Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar, told AGBI. “If you buy [a home] for more than SAR4 million, you get a lifetime residency,” the head of the luxury developer told AGBI.
Why It Matters?
The move mirrors Dubai’s early-2000s property liberalization, signaling Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global real estate hub. Developers like Dar Global have already seen strong demand from GCC expatriates and international buyers, many investing early to gain price advantages. Analysts say the reforms could boost the real estate sector’s GDP contribution from 6.5% to 10% within three years, unlocking billions in new investment inflows.
What’s Next?
Final implementation guidelines are expected soon, detailing eligibility and valuation standards. Completed, mortgage-free properties will qualify for residency, with off-plan buyers eligible once construction is complete. Market experts predict a surge in transactions once the law takes effect, potentially igniting a property boom comparable to Dubai’s freehold revolution two decades ago.
Dubai’s Boldest Entrepreneurs Go Head-to-Head on ‘The Final Pitch’
Dubai becomes the global stage for ambition as the groundbreaking business-reality series ‘The Final Pitch – Dubai’ launches on 17 November, exclusively on OSN TV and OSN+. Hosted by creator and CEO John Aguilar, the show features a star‐investor panel: Sami Khoreibi (Incubayt Investments) and Jigar Sagar (Triliv Holdings). Sixteen visionary founders — from wellness and AI to fintech and sustainability — will pitch their ventures, gain mentorship and vie for real investment opportunities.
Saudi Fintech Startup Lean Eyes Acquisitions Ahead Of Potential IPO
What It’s About?
Saudi Arabia’s Lean Technologies is exploring new investment opportunities as it expands beyond open banking toward a broader range of digital financial services. Backed by over $100 million from investors including General Catalyst, the Riyadh-based fintech aims to grow its presence in remittances, cross-border payments and alternative credit, while exploring entry into insurance, pensions and investment products. CEO Hisham Al-Falih said the company is preparing for a potential IPO, though no timeline has been set.
Why It Matters?
Lean’s expansion reflects the rapid evolution of the fintech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. As regulators in Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to push open banking and financial innovation, companies like Lean are positioned to capitalize on growing demand for integrated digital finance solutions. The firm’s strategy aligns with national diversification goals under Vision 2030 and strengthens the region’s bid to become a global fintech hub.
What’s Next?
Lean plans to continue scaling in its core markets of Saudi Arabia and the UAE before expanding internationally. While it remains well-funded following its $70 million Series B round, the company is eyeing strategic acquisitions to accelerate growth and product development. Market analysts see Lean’s potential listing as a milestone moment for the region’s fintech sector, signaling maturity and investor confidence in homegrown digital finance players.
Dubai Luxury Property Surge Sees Bidding Wars Even Before Construction Starts
What It’s About?
Brookfield Properties’ new Solaya waterfront development in Dubai is attracting global ultra-wealthy buyers, with penthouses fetching indicative prices above $24 million. Interested buyers must submit proof-of-funds checks of 1 million dirhams ($272,000) just to bid. Off-plan sales dominate Dubai’s luxury market, accounting for nearly 70% of transactions, with properties appealing to end-users and vacation home buyers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Why It Matters?
Dubai’s luxury property boom mirrors the pre-2009 frenzy but with stronger safeguards. Developers now fund land upfront and hold buyer payments in escrow, reducing risks from unfinished projects. Luxury home values have surged 145% since 2019, outpacing other global cities. Rising demand for off-plan ultra-prime properties is boosting competition and attracting international developers, while Dubai’s residency laws, pandemic management, and tax advantages continue to lure wealthy expatriates.
What’s Next?
Developers are doubling down on ultra-luxury projects with bespoke customization and financial safeguards such as Islamic bonds and private credit facilities. While analysts caution that a market correction is possible, demand remains robust, underpinned by high rental yields and relative affordability compared with New York or London. Dubai’s luxury sector is expected to continue expanding, though market observers see a gradual cooling after the current peak frenzy.
🦄 World of Startups
Zid, Saudi e-commerce enablement platform, expands into Egypt through a partnership with digital store provider Zammit.
Bahrain launches $185mln fund to support SMEs
Deplike, Turkey-based AI music learning platform, raised undisclosed seed funding from 216 Capital to grow its Chordie AI app with 250K active users.
Chari, Morocco-based fintech and e-commerce platform, raised undisclosed Series A extension funding from Egypt’s DisrupTech Ventures to expand its embedded financial services for retailers.
Arab Therapy, Jordan-based online mental health platform, secured a strategic investment from Value Makers Studio (VMS) to grow its licensed telemedicine and corporate wellness services.
First Circle Capital, a female-led VC in Uganda and Morocco, raised $6M from IFC for its $25M pan-African fintech fund targeting pre-seed and seed-stage startups in fintech, insurtech, and climate tech.
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🔍In other news…
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Deyaar CEO: It’s tough to find good builders in Dubai
UAE launches national 6G plan to prepare for next network cycle
Emirates airline's boss charts 20-year growth course for his successor
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