Saudi Arabia: Unveils New Framework for Legislative Development

Saudi Gazette, 29 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Justice Ministry has outlined a new approach to law-making that emphasises public participation and transparency in legislative processes.

Justice Minister detailed the implementation of a specialised legislative framework designed to modernise the Kingdom’s legal system. The new structure focuses on making legal texts more accessible and incorporating public consultation in law development.

Key elements of the framework include: enhanced transparency in legal procedures, streamlined judicial and administrative processes, improved dispute resolution mechanisms, greater public participation in law-making and simplified access to legal rights and services.

The Ministry has established new procedures for drafting legislation that require: public consultation periods, stakeholder engagement, expert input on proposed laws, clear documentation of legal objectives and regular review of legislative impact.

The framework introduces standardised procedures for creating and implementing new laws, with emphasis on making legal texts comprehensible to the general public. It also establishes formal channels for experts, stakeholders, and civil society to contribute to legislative development.

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Saudi Arabia: Media Regulator Issues New Content Guidelines

Al Watan News, 21 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s General Commission for Media Regulation has announced new content regulations governing all media platforms, introducing strict measures to protect privacy and social values.

The regulations explicitly prohibit: Use of inappropriate language, Ostentatious displays of wealth and vehicles, Filming of children or domestic workers in daily content, Invasion of family privacy or exposure of internal disputes, Bullying or degrading content, Unauthorised filming of individuals or families in private spaces, Revealing attire or inappropriate physical displays and Misleading information and blackmail attempts.

The commission emphasized that any content revealing family privacy or internal disputes will be considered a direct violation of regulatory standards. The new guidelines also mandate modest appearance in media content, with clothing that reveals the body inappropriately being classified as a clear violation.

Regulatory action will be taken against those who breach these guidelines, which apply across all media platforms. The measures specifically protect children from exploitation and safeguard national identity and social values.

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Saudi Arabia: Revises Labour Law Penalties with Focus on Maritime and Agricultural Sectors

Saudi Gazette, 11 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced comprehensive amendments to its Labour Law (Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M51/1426) violations and penalties framework, introducing new regulations for maritime and agricultural sectors.

The revised framework, published on the Istitlaa platform for public consultation, introduces specific penalties for maritime labour violations, with fines ranging from SR300 to SR1,000. Maritime regulations address issues such as working hours, rest periods, and accommodation requirements for seafarers.

For agricultural workers, the ministry has established new penalties ranging from SR300 to SR20,000. Key violations include employing workers under 21, failing to provide mandatory rest periods, and not ensuring adequate housing and food provisions.

The amendments also strengthen existing regulations, including a SR1,000 fine for employers who fail to comply with maternity leave requirements. The ministry has enhanced penalties for recruitment violations, introducing a graduated system of sanctions including warnings, license suspensions of up to 12 months, and potential license revocation.

New provisions specifically prohibit forced labour practices and protect workers’ rights to communicate with their families and embassies. The framework also requires employers to document all labour information in ministry systems and approved platforms.

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Saudi Arabia: Updates Contractor Classification Rules with New Project Division Criteria

Saudi Gazette, 6 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced significant amendments to its Contractors Classification Law (Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 49/1443), establishing new guidelines for project division and classification procedures.

Under the revised regulations, contractors can now divide projects worth SR600 million or more, provided each divided portion maintains a minimum value of SR75 million. The ministry has also implemented strict timeframes for administrative processes, requiring classification decisions within 60 working days and certificate extensions within 10 working days.

The amendments outline six specific circumstances where contractor experience will not be recognised, including cases where contract signing predates commercial registration or when projects fall outside classification scope. Additional exclusions apply to withdrawn projects, unverified contractor involvement, unauthorised subcontracting, and incomplete documentation.

Classification certificates will now be issued electronically, with validity verification available through the ministry’s website. Contractors receive a 90-day window to request grade adjustments or activity modifications after certificate issuance, and certificates can be extended once for 90 days.

The regulations require contractors to update their commercial register information within 30 days of any legal status changes. Appeals against classification decisions must be filed with the competent committee within 60 days, with further appeals possible through the Administrative Court.

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Saudi Arabia: Implements Fines for Illegal Water Connections

Al Watan, 21 August 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Water Authority has announced the end of its grace period for unauthorised water and sewage connections, with violations now subject to fines reaching up to 100,000 Riyals.

The official spokesperson for the Saudi Water Authority confirmed that penalties will be enforced according to existing regulations and bylaws. Specialised committees will assess each violation individually, with fines determined based on the severity of the infringement.

Key points of the enforcement:

• Fines up to 100,000 riyals for unregistered connections
• Case-by-case assessment of violations
• Technical and administrative procedures ongoing
• Field surveys required for each registration request

The National Water Company has reported receiving numerous registration applications during the grace period, though exact statistics regarding the number of corrected illegal connections are not yet available due to ongoing technical assessments.

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Saudi Arabia: New Law to Strengthen Statistical Data Protection

Saudi Gazette, 16 August 2025: Saudi Arabia has issued new legislation to enhance data privacy in statistical research, with strict controls on access and usage of information collected for statistical purposes.

The law establishes firm guidelines for the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) regarding data handling and sharing. Under the new regulations, data may only be released for research purposes after being anonymised to protect individual privacy.

The legislation explicitly prohibits GASTAT employees and associates from disclosing confidential information while introducing new provisions for collaboration with both public and private sector entities in conducting surveys. These partnerships must adhere to strict data protection protocols.

Public bodies are now required by law to assist GASTAT in preparing international statistics and developing standardised guidelines. The legislation specifically addresses the exchange of statistical best practices between government entities.

The new framework includes safeguards against misuse of official positions to access protected information, with clear restrictions on how collected data can be utilised.

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Saudi Arabia: Saudi Exchange Introduces Market Access Reforms

Arab News, 7 August 2025: Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange has unveiled draft amendments to broaden access to its Parallel Market, with proposed changes now open for public consultation until 19 August 2025.

The reforms focus on redefining qualified investor criteria and adjusting listing requirements for the Parallel Market. Key changes include potentially reducing the minimum securities market activity requirement for individual investors from SR40 million to SR30 million, while maintaining the SR5 million net worth threshold.

Under the proposed rules, qualified investors would encompass capital market institutions, investment funds, Gulf Cooperation Council companies, qualified foreign financial institutions, and eligible high-net-worth individuals.

The draft also suggests lowering the minimum market value requirements for public listings. Companies seeking to list would need either SR30 million in publicly held shares or 20 percent of the share class, whichever is less. Initial public offerings would require a minimum expected market value of SR10 million, while direct listings would need SR100 million.

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Saudi Arabia: Introduces Tourist VAT Refund Scheme at Airports

Saudi Gazette, 5 August 2025: Saudi Arabia has launched a new value-added tax (VAT) refund programme allowing tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals to claim back 15% VAT on eligible purchases made within the Kingdom.

The scheme, which is now operational across 1,442 authorised retail outlets, enables non-resident visitors aged 18 and above to reclaim VAT on purchases exceeding SR500.

To participate, shoppers must present their passport or GCC ID at participating stores to obtain a VAT exemption form. Customers can combine up to three same-day receipts from individual retailers to meet the minimum spending requirement.

The Kingdom has established 18 verification points across three international airports to process refund claims. Refunds are available via card payment or cash, with daily cash refunds capped at SR5,000 per person.

Key exclusions from the scheme include:

• Services such as accommodation and meals
• Vehicles, boats, and aircraft
• Food and beverages
• Tobacco products
• Petroleum derivatives

Purchased items must remain unused, be intended for personal use only, and be exported within 90 days of purchase to qualify for the refund.

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