Saudi Laws Update

 The Ministry of Commerce blocked a non-compliant, untrusted online store based outside Saudi Arabia after it was found advertising counterfeit gold bullion made of copper and coated with gold. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce blocked a non-compliant, untrusted online store based outside Saudi Arabia after it was found advertising counterfeit gold bullion made of copper and coated with gold to deceive and mislead shoppers. The ministry detected the violation after the store, which targeted the Saudi market, promoted gold bullion of various weights at half the market value. The store was immediately blocked in cooperation with the relevant authorities to protect consumers and enforce the provisions of the E-Commerce Law and its executive regulations. The ministry stressed the importance for all consumers to verify the reliability of online stores before purchasing through the “Enquiry on E-Commerce Documentation” service on the Saudi Business Center platform, a...

 August 21, 2025 As of the first quarter of 2025, Saudi Arabia had 12.8 million subscribers in the social insurance system, 77 percent of whom were expatriates. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is preparing to announce a new voluntary pension and savings program that will be open to both Saudi and foreign workers, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest Article IV consultation report, cited by Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper. The program is designed to boost household savings and is expected to help curb the outflow of workers’ remittances abroad. The Public Pension and Savings Program is anticipated to be unveiled soon. Foreign remittances from Saudi Arabia rose 14 percent last year to SR144.2 billion ($38.4 billion). Over the past decade (2015–2024), they totaled SR1.43 trillion. As of the first quarter of 2025, Saudi Arabia had 12.8 million subscribers in the social insurance system, 77 percent of whom — nearly 10 million — were expatriates. The IMF report ...

 August 22, 2025 Saudi logistics council reviews SILZ strategy, King Salman airport, and NEOM-Arar corridor RIYADH — The Logistics Partnership Council with the private sector, part of the Logistics Services Committee under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), held its 27th meeting on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone (SILZ Company). The session was chaired by Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Acting President of the General Transport Authority, with the participation of Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, alongside representatives from government entities and the private sector. The council discussed key topics to strengthen the efficiency and investment appeal of the Kingdom’s integrated logistics sector. Among the issues reviewed were the strategic directions of Riyadh Integrated under SILZ Company, updates on King Salman Intern...

 August 15, 2025 Saudi Arabia approves digital ID use for non-resident foreigners to own property Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved the use of a digital ID to enable non-Saudi, non-resident foreigners to own property in the Kingdom. The General Real Estate Authority will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Information Center, and other relevant bodies to develop mechanisms for activating the digital ID. The move aims to allow its use ahead of the implementation of the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law. The Cabinet also endorsed a decision by the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs on governance for non-Saudi property ownership and usufruct rights, including forming a committee within the authority’s board to oversee these matters. The board of the General Real Estate Authority has been restructured under its CEO’s chairmanship, with m...

 August 14, 2025 The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) will make its fellowship available internationally by offering the exam in English alongside Arabic. The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) will make its fellowship available internationally by offering the exam in English alongside Arabic. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) will make its fellowship available internationally by offering the exam in English alongside Arabic. This marks a strategic step that positions the qualification among the world's leading professional qualifications and reinforces the Kingdom's strong standing in the accounting profession. With this change, accountants and professionals from any country can earn the fellowship by completing the program and taking the exam in English, starting with the third sitting of 2025, scheduled for September. The SOCPA fellows...

 August 14, 2025 The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has outlined the procedures for obtaining a clearance permit for controlled drugs containing narcotics and psychotropic substances in the possession of passengers arriving in or departing from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has outlined the procedures for obtaining a clearance permit for controlled drugs containing narcotics and psychotropic substances in the possession of passengers arriving in or departing from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has outlined the procedures for obtaining a clearance permit for controlled drugs containing narcotics and psychotropic substances in the possession of passengers arriving in or departing from Saudi Arabia. This reinforces SFDA’s commitment to facilitating patients’ travel and ensuring a smoother journey while maintaining safety standards. SFDA confirms that all information related to controlled drug permits ...

 Ministry announces new regulatory requirements for factories within and outside urban areas August 14, 2025 The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has formulated new regulatory requirements for factories within and outside urban areas. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has formulated new regulatory requirements for factories within and outside urban areas. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has formulated new regulatory requirements for factories within and outside urban areas. This comes within the ministry's efforts to improve the industrial investment environment and raise the level of compliance. It also aims to make available suitable and safe locations that align with urban development plans across the Kingdom. The ministry clarified that the requirements cover all types of factories, whether located within urban areas as well as within in support service areas, or within approved plans for industrial use. The ministry expla...

  August 13, 2025 Saudi Arabia attracts 616 regional HQs of global companies by Q1 2025, says Media Minister Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s program to attract the regional headquarters of global companies has brought in 616 firms by the first quarter of 2025, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari said on Wednesday. The figure marks a rise from 571 companies in the previous quarter. Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh, Al-Dosari said the Kingdom is actively boosting startup growth and investment appeal, with commercial registrations reaching 1.7 million by mid-2025, up 13% year-on-year. Citing the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, he said Saudi Arabia’s global ranking in entrepreneurship support jumped 60 places to 23rd, and five Saudi firms are poised to become unicorns. The Saudi Business Center and its online platform have delivered over 10 million services. In the industrial sector, the number of factories has grown from 7,200 before Vision 2030 to 12,500 by ...

 August 13, 2025 Unreasonable wages, salary delays to trigger violations under Mudad system   Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has clarified that assigning an employee an unreasonable basic wage — whether too low or too high — will trigger violation alerts under Saudi Arabia’s Wage Protection Program. According to the program’s latest compliance guide, such wages will appear as alerts in the employer’s violations record on the Mudad platform if deemed illogical when compared to other recorded data. The ministry said alerts will also be generated in cases where salary deductions exceed 50 percent of a worker’s wage or if a worker’s basic wage has not been recorded on Mudad for more than 90 days. Additional violations include failing to enter the basic wage in designated fields, failing to pay the wage, or lacking any record of wage disbursement. The ministry further stated that inspection visits will be initiated if pr...

 August 12, 2025 The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, arrested 30 government employees for facilitating Saudi citizens and residents to perform Hajj without a permit by allowing them to pass through the security checkpoints The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, arrested 30 government employees for facilitating Saudi citizens and residents to perform Hajj without a permit by allowing them to pass through the security checkpoints Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — A total of 30 government employees have been arrested for facilitating unauthorized pilgrims to perform Hajj. The arrests were made in one of the corruption cases initiated by the Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha). The spokesperson of Nazaha stated that the authority has initiated a number of criminal cases over the past period, and legal procedures are underway against the perpetrators. The authority, ...

 All services to establishments will be suspended if the wage delay exceeds three months August 12, 2025 The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has decided to carry out inspection visits to private sector establishments if they delayed submitting their wage protection files for 20 days. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has decided to carry out inspection visits to private sector establishments if they delayed submitting their wage protection files for 20 days. RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has decided to carry out inspection visits to private sector establishments if they delayed submitting their wage protection files for 20 days, Okaz has learnt from the ministry sources. The Mudad digital payroll and compliance program, under the ministry, will send a request to the Inspection Department to visit the establishments that have failed in submitting the file within the stipulated period of time. The ministry expl...

 The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority has conducted more than 15,000 inspection visits to markets and shops across various regions and cities of the Kingdom during the last month of July. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has conducted more than 15,000 inspection visits to markets and shops across various regions and cities of the Kingdom during the last month of July. The ZATCA explained that the visits conducted by its oversight and inspection teams covered a number of commercial sectors, most notably retail, tobacco, gold, and public services. It indicated that major violations detected by the oversight teams included the lack of tax stamps, failure to issue electronic debit or credit bills, and failure to issue electronic tax invoices. The authority stated that these visits aimed to enhance compliance with the provisions of the Saudi tax regulations among taxpayers in the business sector, as well as to achieve tax justice, and limit co...

 August 06, 2025 Saudi Arabia’s digital experience maturity index reaches 86.7% in 2025 Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority has announced that the 2025 Digital Experience Maturity Index reached 86.71%, placing the Kingdom at an “advanced” level in its ongoing digital transformation. The result comes after a comprehensive evaluation of 50 digital platforms across four main dimensions and 20 detailed criteria, covering user satisfaction, interface quality, complaint handling, and the use of advanced technologies. According to DGA Governor Eng. Ahmed Al-Suwayan, the findings reflect the strong commitment of government entities to enhancing service delivery and public satisfaction through accessible, seamless, and effective digital platforms. The index also recorded an increase in public engagement, with more than 374,000 users participating in this year’s evaluation — up from the previous year — underscoring growing public trust and interaction wi...

August 05, 2025 Travelers must validate their tax-free form at one of 18 verification points currently available at three international airports. (X) Travelers must validate their tax-free form at one of 18 verification points currently available at three international airports. (X) Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia has officially begun implementing its value-added tax (VAT) refund program for tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, enabling eligible visitors to reclaim 15% VAT on qualifying purchases through 1,442 authorized retail outlets across the Kingdom, Saudi Gazette has learned. The move is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance the tourism and shopping experience, increase Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a global destination. The VAT refund system is available to non-resident tourists aged 18 and older. To qualify, total purchases must exceed SR500, and the goods must be unused, for personal use only, and exported within 90 days of purchase. Services...

 August 05, 2025 Three convicted in Riyadh for commercial concealment in mobile accessories trade Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has publicly named two Saudi citizens and a Yemeni resident after they were convicted of engaging in a commercial concealment scheme involving the sale of mobile phone accessories in Riyadh. According to a ruling by the Criminal Court in Riyadh, the Saudi business owner and his agent were found guilty of allowing the Yemeni resident to operate the business independently, without a foreign investment license. The resident was granted full control over the establishment’s operations and was found to have financial dealings far exceeding his declared income as a sales representative, transferring illicit profits abroad. The court imposed a SR15,000 fine to be shared among the convicted individuals, revoked the business license, cancelled the commercial registration, and ordered the business to be liquidated. It also mandated the colle...

August 04, 2025 Saudi central bank submits new banking draft law to legislative authorities Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s central bank has submitted a new banking draft law to legislative authorities, marking a significant step in strengthening the Kingdom’s financial regulatory framework, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Article IV Mission report for 2025. The IMF noted that the new Banking Law has been submitted for legislative approval, a risk-based supervisory framework is being refined, and a monitoring system has been introduced for large construction and infrastructure projects. Additionally, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is operationalizing its bank resolution function and has made good progress in establishing a crisis management framework that includes an emergency liquidity assistance framework, which the IMF said should be completed without undue delay. Improvements in enhancing the effectiveness of anti-money laundering and counter-terror...

August 04, 2025 Civil Affairs proposes amendment to death reporting rules for resident expatriates RIYADH — The Agency of the Ministry of Interior for Civil Affairs has proposed an amendment to Article 52 of the Civil Status Law aimed at updating regulations for reporting deaths to ensure broader system coverage. According to the agency, the draft amendment — published on the “Istitlaa” platform for public feedback before final approval — is intended to improve the quality of civil registry data, support government decision-making, and deliver more integrated and efficient services to beneficiaries. The proposed changes include making it mandatory to report the deaths of resident expatriates who are married to Saudi citizens. This measure seeks to strengthen record completeness and ensure that official statistics reflect all relevant cases.

 August 04, 2025 The data shows that 94.1% of establishments have a dedicated business email, and 70.3% maintain a mobile phone specifically for their operations. The data shows that 94.1% of establishments have a dedicated business email, and 70.3% maintain a mobile phone specifically for their operations. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Nearly all establishments in Saudi Arabia (97.7%) are connected to the internet, while 57.7% of those with internet access use social media platforms, according to the 2023 “Nafath” statistics on information and communications technology usage by businesses, released by the General Authority for Statistics. The data shows that 94.1% of establishments have a dedicated business email, and 70.3% maintain a mobile phone specifically for their operations. About 75.5% operate with internal networks and fixed connections, while 91.3% have used government e-services, such as accessing information, downloading and submitting forms, or completing transactions...

 August 02, 2025 HR ministry proposes strict rules for advertising domestic labor services Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has proposed a set of regulations for advertising domestic labor services, aiming to protect workers’ dignity, curb misleading promotions, and ensure transparency. The draft “Regulations for Advertising Domestic Labor Services,” posted on the “Istitlaa” public consultation platform, prohibits ads containing words or phrases that could undermine the dignity of foreign or domestic workers. It also bans false or misleading claims that could deceive customers, whether directly or indirectly. Under the proposed rules, the ministry’s name or logos — as well as those of related platforms such as “Musaned” or “Ajeer” — cannot be used in advertisements. Ads must be in Arabic, though additional languages are allowed if the content matches the Arabic version. They must also display the licensed service provider’s name, ...

 August 06, 2025 Over 40,000 apply for Saudi Premium Residency in 18 months as benefits attract investors Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency platform has received 40,163 applications from both local and international applicants between January 2024 and July 2025, signaling a sharp rise in demand for the scheme designed to attract global talent and investors. According to official statistics, 8,074 Premium Residency permits were issued in 2024 alone. The largest share went to the “exceptional competence” category with 5,578 permits, followed by “talent” with 348 permits, alongside other categories including real estate ownership, entrepreneurship, and business investment. The Kingdom expanded the scope of Premium Residency in early 2024 from just two to seven categories. These now include Exceptional Competence, Talent, Business Investor, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Owner, and both Limited and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency. The expansion is part of b...

July 31, 2025 Barq marks first year with 7 million users and SR73 billion in transactions, powering Saudi Arabia’s digital shift In a scene that reflects the Kingdom’s rapid shift toward a cashless economy, Barq, the digital payments application, has recorded exceptional performance in its first year of operation. The number of its users has surpassed 7 million, representing 150 nationalities from around the globe. The app has encompassed a wide range of digital payments and money transfers, contributing effectively to advancing the Kingdom’s non-cash economy objectives. In its first year, Barq issued more than 6.5 million digital payment cards, enabling users to conduct their transactions with ease and security. The app offers banking services through an advanced digital platform tailored to meet the needs of individuals as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing innovative payment solutions under a license granted by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Since its launc...

  July 27, 2025 Jeddah Municipality begins evacuation notices for 800 dilapidated buildings in Al-Ruwais district Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Jeddah Municipality has initiated evacuation notifications for a number of dangerously deteriorated buildings in the Al-Ruwais district, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and protect lives and property by addressing the condition of structurally unsound buildings. The current phase targets more than 800 buildings identified during recent field surveys conducted by municipal teams. These efforts are being carried out in coordination with relevant authorities and under the supervision of the General Directorate of Emergency and Crisis Management, as part of a broader framework to implement regulatory procedures. This initiative follows similar operations previously undertaken in the neighborhoods of Al-Faisaliyah, Al-Rabwa, and Al-Farouq, where over 596 hazardous structures were demolished. These actions fall within a co...

The law grants non-Saudis broader real estate rights under defined conditions while imposing restrictions in Makkah and Madinah August 02, 2025 Saudi Gazette publishes full text of new foreign property ownership law Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Gazette has obtained an official copy of Saudi Arabia’s “Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law” and is publishing the complete English text of its 15 articles below. The law consists of 15 articles and will come into force 180 days after its publication. The new framework allows non-Saudis — including individuals, companies, and non-profit entities — to own or acquire rights to real estate within geographic areas to be designated by the Council of Ministers. It introduces provisions for foreign companies, investment funds, and special-purpose entities to own property across the Kingdom, including Makkah and Madinah, under strict conditions. While the law grants wider ownership rights, it places restrictions on sensitive locations, limiting ...

 July 31, 2025 Qiwa sets 60-day window before reporting worker as absent under new contract rules Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Qiwa platform has introduced updates to the employment contract system that impact how employers can report workers as "absent from work." According to the platform, an employer can only submit such a request if the worker’s residency permit (Iqama) is valid for at least 60 days and the worker has no active employment contract at the time of the request. Once a worker's status changes to "disconnected from work," they are given a 60-day window to choose one of the following options: transfer to another employer, exit the Kingdom, or re-contract with the same company. If no action is taken within this period, the worker will automatically be marked as "absent from work" and removed from the company's records. The updated system also stipulates that if the notice period in a work contract ends — whether by the employer’s or ...

 July 31, 2025 Saudi interior minister visits Interpol HQ, reaffirms Kingdom’s support for global security cooperation Saudi Gazette report LYON — Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud visited the headquarters of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Lyon, France, on Thursday, where he was welcomed by Interpol President Maj. Gen. Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi. Prince Abdulaziz reaffirmed the Kingdom’s steadfast support for Interpol’s mission to strengthen international cooperation in combating transnational crime. He noted that the visit comes at the directive of Saudi leadership, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to bolstering global security collaboration. During the visit, the minister praised Interpol’s vital role in enhancing security partnerships among law enforcement agencies worldwide, contributing to international peace and stability. For his part, Dr. Al-Raisi thanked Prince Abdulaziz for his strong commitment to deepening th...

 July 31, 2025 Health council fines 110 employers SR2.5 million for insurance violations Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Council of Health Insurance (CHI) has imposed penalties totaling SR2.5 million on 110 employers for violating provisions of the Cooperative Health Insurance Law, it announced on Thursday. The CHI stated that the violations were related to employers' failure to provide mandatory health insurance coverage to their employees and eligible family members, despite receiving prior warnings urging them to rectify their status. Under Article 14 of the Cooperative Health Insurance Law, any employer who fails to subscribe or pay insurance premiums for employees and their dependents is required to pay the outstanding premiums along with a fine not exceeding the annual subscription value per individual. Additionally, violators may face temporary or permanent bans on hiring foreign workers. These measures, the council said, are part of efforts to strengthen its regulatory ro...