Saudi Laws Update

 September 28, 2025 RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani said legal development is essential for true progress. He stressed that specialized legislation launched by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman is a key pillar in advancing comprehensive development and fostering a national innovation ecosystem. Speaking at the Saudi Law Conference 2025 in Riyadh, held under the theme “Technology and Sustainability,” Al-Samaani addressed the session titled “Legal Frameworks Enabling National Development and Innovation: Vision 2030 and Legal Transformation.” He noted that the Basic Law of Governance sets justice, public interest, and anti-corruption as core legislative objectives. Effective law enforcement, he said, requires not only interpreting legal texts but also understanding their purpose, function, and intended outcomes. Al-Samaani added that the Kingdom’s legislative approach emphasizes clarity, transparency, and public participation. By engaging spec...

 September 28, 2025 The “Visitor ID” serves as an official identification document for visitors and can be verified through authorized digital platforms. RIYADH — The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced the approval of using the “Visitor ID” to open bank accounts at banks across the Kingdom, in line with account opening regulations. The “Visitor ID,” issued by the Ministry of Interior, serves as an official identification document for visitors and can be verified through authorized digital platforms. SAMA said the decision will allow banks to serve new consumer segments and enhance the visitor experience during their stay in Saudi Arabia. The central bank added that the update is part of a periodic review of account rules aimed at keeping pace with regulatory developments, facilitating banking procedures, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting digital transformation in financial services.

 September 26, 2025 Violators face fines of up to SR20,000, vehicle impoundment for 60 days. RIYADH — Field inspection teams from the Transport General Authority (TGA) have launched campaigns across several regions and cities in Saudi Arabia to monitor and penalize violations in passenger transport activities. The enforcement drive focused on individuals preparing to transport passengers using private vehicles without obtaining the required licenses, as well as those operating illegal ride services known locally as “kadadah.” Under the new Land Transport Law, violators face fines of up to SR20,000, vehicle impoundment for 60 days, and, in cases of repeated violations, the sale of the vehicle at public auction. Non-Saudi offenders may also face deportation. The TGA confirmed that inspection teams are carrying out operations around the clock in coordination with relevant authorities, with the aim of raising compliance levels and enhancing competitiveness among licensed service provid...

 September 28, 2025 The updated requirements issued by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing apply to locations designated for land, sea, and air transportation rentals, including rental offices, shelters, and their associated facilities. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced new requirements for transport rental offices and vehicle shelters as part of the ministry's strategic efforts to regulate this essential sector, as well as to stimulate investment, and enhance the quality of life in Saudi cities. The updated requirements apply to locations designated for land, sea, and air transportation rentals, including rental offices, shelters, and their associated facilities. Key components of the new requirements include specific controls for activity locations, architectural design standards, facade requirements, parking space specifications, as well as guidelines for public safety, cleanliness, maintenance, and accessibility for pe...

 September 25, 2025 Under the new rules, which took effect on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the total rental value of properties cannot be increased for five years within Riyadh’s urban boundary. Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping new regulations for Riyadh’s rental market, freezing rent increases for both residential and commercial properties for the next five years in a bid to stabilize housing costs and ensure fairness between landlords and tenants. The measures, approved by the Council of Ministers and enacted through a royal decree, follow directives from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, who earlier ordered reforms to address sharp rent hikes in the capital. Under the new rules, which took effect on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the total rental value of properties—whether in existing or new contracts—cannot be increased for five years within Riyadh’s urban boundary. The same framework could be extended to other cities and go...