Saudi Laws Update

  April 17, 2025 RIYADH —  Saudi Arabia launched on Thursday a broader campaign to enhance its investment appeal with attracting foreign talent to Special Economic Zones through a series of incentives and tax exemptions. The Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA) is collaborating with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to offer tax and customs exemptions, as well as to facilitate visa issuance, and provide financial equivalence exemptions for foreign talent. The campaign highlights ECZA’s strategic partnerships with key Saudi government entities to provide targeted incentives and regulatory benefits for investors in the Kingdom’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). These collaborations reflect ECZA’s commitment to fostering a transparent and simplified regulatory ecosystem that encourages high-quality investments. ECZA Secretary General Nabil Khojah emphasized the significance of these partnerships, stating: “...

  Saudi Gazette report RIYADH —  The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced that individuals interested in entering the customs consulting field can now apply for a license to practice the profession, as part of a broader effort to raise professional standards and improve the quality and efficiency of customs services. In a press release, ZATCA stated that applications for the Customs Consulting License are now open through the E-Services portal on its official website. Applicants must meet all stipulated requirements and criteria to be eligible for licensing. This initiative aims to professionalize and advance the customs consulting sector by ensuring consultants are equipped to provide accurate and reliable guidance. The licensing system is designed to strengthen compliance with customs regulations, including the Customs Tariff, Customs Valuation, Rules of Origin, and other key procedural areas. By empowering licensed consultants to deliver high-quality advis...

  Saudi Gazette report RIYADH —  Diriyah Company has signed a SR5.1 billion ($1.4 billion) joint venture contract to develop the iconic Royal Diriyah Opera House. The agreement was signed with El Seif Engineering Contracting Co. Ltd. (ESEC), Midmac Construction Co. Ltd., and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. (CSCEC), the world’s largest construction firm. Designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta Oslo AS, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will be Saudi Arabia’s largest performance venue with a 2,000-seat main theatre. The project will also feature a studio theater, a rooftop amphitheater, and multipurpose halls, bringing total capacity to approximately 3,100 seats. The opera house — managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City — will serve as Diriyah’s premier performing arts center and a cultural landmark, blending contemporary Najdi architecture with sustainability principles such as natural ventilation, water conservation, and thermal efficiency. T...

  Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH —  The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated that all individuals intending to perform Hajj during the 1446 AH season must obtain an official permit through the “Nusuk” platform, in technical integration with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, “Tasreeh.” The ministry emphasized that compliance with regulations is essential to safeguard the safety and well-being of pilgrims and to ensure a smooth and secure Hajj experience. In an official statement, the ministry stressed that no type of visa — other than the official Hajj visa — grants its holder the right to perform Hajj. It warned that attempting to undertake the pilgrimage without a valid Hajj permit constitutes a violation of Hajj regulations. The ministry also cautioned against fraudulent Hajj campaigns promoted through misleading advertisements on social media platforms, offering unauthorized accommodation and transportation services within the holy sites. It urged the public ...

  Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH —  Saudi Arabia’s Public Security Directorate has announced the start of enforcement of Hajj 1446 entry regulations, requiring all residents seeking to enter the holy city of Makkah to obtain official permits from the relevant authorities starting Wednesday, 25 Shawwal 1446 (April 23, 2025). According to the directive, residents without the required permits will be turned back at the security checkpoints leading into Makkah. The enforcement aims to regulate access to the Holy Capital during the Hajj season and ensure smooth movement and security for pilgrims. Public Security emphasized that vehicles and residents not holding a valid entry permit — whether for work in the holy sites issued by the competent authority, a residence permit registered in Makkah, or an official Hajj permit — will be denied entry and redirected to their point of origin. Entry permits for Makkah during the Hajj season are issued electronically through the “Absher Individua...

 SAMA issues rules for buy now, pay later companies  SAMA said that developing these rules will aid the sector’s growth and sustainability while safeguarding users’ rights. Shutterstock ARAB NEWS December 17, 2023 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s financial technology sector is bracing for growth with its apex bank issuing rules for buy now, pay later companies, according to a statement.  The Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, on Dec. 17 issued guidelines aimed at regulating the licensing and setting minimum standards for the BNPL companies.  SAMA said that developing these rules will aid the sector’s growth and sustainability while safeguarding users’ rights.  It defines BNPL activity as financing allowing a consumer to purchase goods or services without a term cost payable by the consumer.  SAMA outlined provisions related to licensing requirements, regulation of internal policies and procedures, information security standards and measures to combat financial c...

 Saudi Ministry of Commerce outlines strategic roadmap for 2024  The directive emphasizes that entities must strategically invest in high-potential sectors and capitalize on regional diversification opportunities.  ARAB NEWS December 27, 2023 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has set up a strategic roadmap for its chambers of commerce in 2024.   The directive emphasizes that entities must strategically invest in high-potential sectors and capitalize on regional diversification opportunities.  In a meeting held in Riyadh, attended by chamber heads, the Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi discussed the pivotal role of chambers of commerce in achieving the objectives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030, according to the Saudi Press Agency.  The discussions also encompassed Riyadh’s hosting of Expo 2030 and the active involvement of the chambers in advancing the commercial system.   Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the si...