Issued on: 16 Jumada Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 17 December 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5065 issued on 17 January 2025.
Issued on: 16 Jumada Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 17 December 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5065 issued on 17 January 2025.
Issued by the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority Decision D-1-D5/46 dated 16 December 2024
For the purposes of applying these controls, the following words and phrases—wherever they occur—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:
Controls: The Controls for Beekeeping in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
Reserve: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
Authority: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.
Chief executive officer: The chief executive officer of the authority.
Ministry: The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Beekeeping: Practicing the activity of caring for bee colonies and utilising them to produce bee products or for bee propagation, as well as producing hive boxes and pollinating vegetation.
Beekeeping tools: Tools used by a beekeeper inside or outside beehives that help in carrying out various beekeeping operations.
License: A document granted to a person (natural or legal) to authorize him to practice an activity.
Permit: A document granted by the authority prior to commencing the practice of the beekeeping activity within the reserve.
Beekeeper: Whoever carries out the activity of keeping or caring for a group of bee colonies.
Apiary: The place where beehives are kept and which a beekeeper can access and provide the necessary services to.
Vegetation: Natural plants, whether grasses, shrubs, or trees, and whether grown naturally or are cultivated.
These controls aim to regulate the beekeeping activity within the geographical scope of the reserve, given the importance of the role of bees in pollinating vegetation, which contributes to preserving the natural and plant environment and wildlife, based on the Organisational Arrangements of the Council of Royal Reserves and the Royal Reserves Development Authorities issued by Council of Ministers Decision 437 dated 1 Rajab 1441 [25 February 2020].
The authority shall grant a permit for the practice of the beekeeping activity within the reserve, after approval by the chief executive officer—or whoever he authorises—in accordance with the following conditions:
1․ Submitting a permit application through the official website of the authority.
2․ Attaching the following requirements:
(a) A copy of the national identity/residency card. It is required that workers are sponsored by the apiary owner.
(b) Attaching the beekeeper license issued by the ministry.
(c) Mobile number and email.
(d) National address.
(e) Any other requirements determined by the authority.
3․ The authority shall review the application and notify the permit applicant of the status of the application within (five) working days from the date of receipt of the application. The authority may reject the application if the conditions or any of them are not met.
A beekeeper shall comply with the following:
1․ Keeping local bee breeds only.
2․ The safety of the beehives, and verifying that they are free of any disease before bringing them into the reserve. In the event of any infection or disease, the reserve management must be immediately notified to take the necessary measures.
3․ The conditions issued by the ministry.
4․ The permittee shall place beehives in the reserve at the locations and within the periods specified in the permit, and shall not change the location except after obtaining prior approval from the authority.
5․ Placing mobile apiaries within a maximum of twenty days from the date the permit is issued.
6․ Maintaining the cleanliness of the site during the permit period.
7․ Not renting the site to any other party or utilising it for a non-designated purpose.
8․ Disposing of waste by placing it in designated places, and not burying or burning it.
9․ Placing a prominent and visible identification signboard at the site with dimensions of (50 cm × 80 cm), and it must include the permit number and the details of the beekeeper and apiary.
10․ Providing safety measures and protective equipment against bee stings.
11․ Notifying the authority in the event of noticing the presence of plant or animal pests or any pathogens.
12․ Obtaining prior approval from the authority to carry out scientific activities related to research studies.
13․ Using existing roads while driving a vehicle and avoiding the creation of other roads to preserve vegetation.
14․ The apiary owner is fully liable for any damages to persons or property resulting from the apiary.
A beekeeper is prohibited from the following:
1․ Carrying out any works that lead to changing the nature of the land of the reserve.
2․ Using the land of the reserve for any other unauthorized activity.
3․ Moving the apiary to another location without obtaining permission from the authority.
4․ Encroaching on wildlife in the reserve.
5․ Preserving vegetation, and not cutting down trees or grasses or tampering with them.
6․ Not using pesticides of all kinds.
7․ Not using antibiotics or chemicals to treat bees.
8․ Not burying or burning waste of any kind inside the reserve.
Taking into account that the tent of the beekeeper must be set up near the apiary.
1․ The authority may destroy beehives and deal with the violator in accordance with the legal procedures, if it is found that there is no permit or prior official approval.
2․ The authority has the right to periodically inspect the apiary, and if non-compliance with the controls and conditions is found, the authority may cancel the permit and take the necessary legal procedures.
The authority has the right to police violations and impose penalties in accordance with the mechanism and procedures followed in the relevant laws and regulations.
1․ The authority shall update these controls or make exceptions to their provisions—when necessary—with the approval of the chief executive officer and the notification of the board of directors of the authority.
2․ The chief executive officer has the right to set and approve a mechanism for implementing these controls.
These controls must apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5064 issued on 10 January 2025.
Issued by the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority Decision D-2-D5/46 dated 16 December 2024
These controls aim to regulate the operation of ecotourism activities in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in a manner that contributes to promoting ecotourism based on the Organisational Arrangements of the Council of Royal Reserves and the Royal Reserves Development Authorities issued by Council of Ministers Decision 437 dated 1 Rajab 1441 [25 February 2020].
For the purposes of applying these controls, the following words and phrases—wherever they occur—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:
Controls: The Controls for Tourist Activities.
Reserve: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
Authority: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.
Chief executive officer: The chief executive officer of the authority.
Competent entity: The Ministry of Tourism; the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture; or any other government entity authorized by law to issue licenses.
Permit: A document granted by the authority to practice an activity or provide a service in the field of ecotourism by virtue of these controls.
Environmental impact: A change that the tourism activity brings about on the environment, whether positive or negative.
Environmental initiative: A measure or action submitted by the permit applicant after an environmental impact study that contributes to bringing about a positive change in the environment.
Tourism activity: An activity carried out by persons within the scope of the reserve as part of a group of activities approved by the authority.
The scope of application of these controls is within the locations specified for each activity according to the permit.
The authority shall grant a permit to operate tourism activities within the locations specified by the authority, with the approval of the chief executive officer—or whoever he authorizes—in accordance with the following conditions:
1․ Submitting a permit application through the official website of the authority.
2․ The permit applicant shall attach the following requirements:
(a) A valid tourism license issued by the competent entity within the kingdom.
(b) All necessary licenses from the competent entity for the targeted activity.
(c) Providing an overview of the targeted tourism activity.
(d) Providing evidence of expertise and past work in the same field.
(e) The presence of an environmental permit from the National Center for Environmental Compliance to assess and classify the activity based on the Executive Regulation for Environmental Permits for Establishing and Operating Activities.
(f) Submitting an implementation plan for the targeted activity in accordance with these controls, which must include: Stages of implementation, a timetable, a visitor registration system, a comprehensive plan to deal with risks, and a project completion plan.
(g) Attaching the commercial registration.
(h) Any additional documents requested by the authority.
3․ The duration of a permit is 6 (six) months, subject to renewal in accordance with the following conditions:
(a) Submitting a permit renewal application.
(b) Providing comprehensive statistics on visitors and activities provided.
(c) There must be no more than 3 (three) official warnings from the authority.
4․ A permit applicant shall comply with the environmental initiative as determined by the authority, as well as its implementation mechanism according to the type of activity and based on the outputs of the submitted environmental impact assessment study.
5․ The authority shall review the application and notify the permit applicant of the status of the application within 30 (thirty) working days from the date of receipt.
6․ The authority may refuse to issue or renew any permit application submitted to it after reviewing the application, and shall explain the reasons for the refusal.
The permittee shall comply with the following requirements:
1․ Providing services according to the approved tourism activity.
2․ Adhering to the geographical scope specified in the permit issued by the authority, and not encroaching on another area.
3․ Adhering to the specified timetable for the activity.
4․ A permittee or his representative or agent shall bear responsibility for the quality and type of activities provided, and for any damages that may be caused by them.
5․ Labour for tourist activities must include individuals from the local community.
6․ Responding to the inquiries of the authority prior to, during, and after the permit period.
7․ Submitting all tourism data and statistics to the authority related to the permitted tourism activity during the permit period after the activity ends.
8․ That workers comply with maintaining personal hygiene and good appearance.
9․ Preserving the safety and cleanliness of the facilities and means of the tourism activity, maintaining them periodically, and ensuring that they are free of any fault or defects that affect their use or overall appearance.
10․ Not causing any harm to the reserve and adhering to the security, technical, health, environmental, safety methods, first aid, evacuation, and other instructions issued by the relevant entities, as well as exercising the necessary care in this regard.
11․ Not using the name of the authority in any advertisement or marketing activity, except after obtaining its approval.
12․ Not doing anything that would harm or impact the reputation of tourism in the Kingdom or the reputation, prestige, or importance of the authority.
13․ Appointing a communication officer to receive inquiries and complaints and share them with the authority.
14․ Conducting a trial run of the activity before the official launch, and preparing a detailed report on it and submitting it to the authority.
15․ Promptly responding to complaints and comments received from visitors and addressing them immediately.
16․ The permittee shall comply with the applicable relevant laws and regulations.
1․ The authority issues permits for the following tourism activities:
– Cultural tour
– Trekking
– Horse riding activities
– Open-air cinema
– Cycling activities
– Yoga
– Bird watching
– Camel trips
– Microlights
– Paragliding
– Hot air balloon ride
– Sand dune sports
– Archery
– Photography
– Zipline
– Safari
– Exhibitions and museums
– Rock climbing
– High mountain climbing adventure
– Stargazing
– Camping and caravans
2․ In the event that an application is submitted to obtain a tourist activity permit not included in paragraph 1, it must be reviewed and a response must be given within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the application.
3․ If a permit application is not included in paragraph 1 and it relates to an activity subject to an environmental impact assessment, it must be reviewed in coordination with the National Center for Environmental Compliance Control and a response must be given within 30 working days from the date of receipt of the application.
The licensee shall preserve the environment as follows:
1․ Providing recycling containers for each activity, sorting waste, and then transporting it for disposal outside the reserve in cooperation with licensed entities.
2․ Lighting used must be energy-saving LED bulbs according to the following standards:
Location | Lighting Level | Color Temperature |
Tracks | 5-10 lux | 2700K-3000K |
Location of Activity | 10-20 lux | 2700K-3000K |
3․ When using plants and trees for agriculture or decoration, they must be from the environment of the reserve without introducing alien plant species.
4․ Lighting fires in the designated places as determined by the authority.
5․ Driving vehicles on designated roads and not creating new roads.
6․ Not cutting or tampering with trees and plants.
7․ Not using local firewood and charcoal.
8․ Not approaching, pursuing, or hunting wildlife.
9․ Not causing damage or tampering with historical monuments.
The permittee shall comply with the security and safety requirements, as follows:
1․ Verifying that the necessary licenses for food and beverage suppliers are valid.
2․ Appointing a person/persons to perform the following roles according to the nature of the tourism activity:
(a) An activity manager present on site throughout its operation.
(b) A health and safety management specialist.
(c) A security guard specialist/specialists to protect the site during the period of operation.
3․ Preparing the site in accordance with the implementation plan submitted by the permittee and approved by the authority to ensure the presence of the work team before allowing visitors to enter.
4․ Setting safety requirements for activities, interactive segments, and others, and placing them in a place that is clear to visitors.
5․ The number of visitors must not exceed the maximum capacity specified in the operational plan submitted by the permit applicant.
6․ The presence of a technical team specialized in maintenance work, such as: Electricity, air conditioning, and other tasks to repair emergency work.
7․ The authority may suspend or cancel the permit if the permittee violates these controls, and he is liable for the damages resulting from this.
1․ The authority shall update these controls or make exceptions to their provisions—when necessary—with the approval of the chief executive officer and notification of the board of directors of the authority.
2․ The chief executive officer shall set and approve a mechanism for implementing these controls.
These controls must apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5064 issued on 10 January 2025.
The Board of Directors of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority,
after perusal of paragraph Third of Royal Decree D/1 dated 6 Muharram 1436 [30 October 2014] Approving the Food Law,
after perusal of Article 44 of the Food Law, which stipulates that the board has the mandate to issue the executive regulation of the law,
after perusal of board of directors Decision 3-16-1439 dated 3 Rabi Al-Thani 1440 [10 December 2018] approving the Executive Regulation of the Food Law,
after perusal of Royal Court Confidential Telegram 82137 dated 15 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1445 [23 May 2024], which includes a number of recommendations, one of which is that the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing shall coordinate with the Food and Drug Authority to set strict rules and protocols that establishments must comply with in cases of poisoning or suspected poisoning, including reporting; closing an establishment and preventing it from operating; and not cleaning, removing, or destroying any equipment, tools, or materials if poisoning is confirmed, criminalizing a violation of this, and taking the necessary urgent legal procedures to ensure that employees of an establishment are not allowed to leave the Kingdom until investigations are completed by the competent entities,
after perusal of Royal Court Telegram 29348 dated 25 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [28 October 2024], and the Bureau of Experts Memorandum 899 dated 13 Rabi Al-Awwal 1446 [16 September 2024], regarding the completion by the authority—in coordination with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing according to its legal mandates—of the necessary amendments to the Executive Regulation of the Food Law, based on the request of the ministry,
after perusal of executive committee Decision 4/TH/27 dated 15 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [17 November 2024], which recommends presenting the draft Executive Regulation of the Food Law to the board of directors for approval in accordance with the form attached,
and after perusal of the work done by the authority regarding setting rules and protocols that establishments must comply with, in cases of poisoning or suspected poisoning, in agreement with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, by adding a paragraph to article 41 and adding three legal provisions to the Executive Regulation of the Food Law,
The amendment of the Executive Regulation of the Food Law is hereby approved in accordance with the form attached.
Issued on: 14 Jumada Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 15 December 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5072 issued on 21 February 2025.
Issued by Saudi Food and Drug Authority Decision 4/44.
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5072 issued on 21 February 2025.
based on the powers granted to him by law,
after perusal of the System of the Transport General Authority issued by Council of Ministers Decision 323 dated 14 Ramadan 1434 [22 July 2013] and its amendments,
after perusal of the Railway Law issued by Royal Decree D/159 dated 22 Sha’ban 1445 [3 March 2024],
and after perusal of the Executive Regulation of the Railway Law issued by the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Decision 1/1/2024/4 dated 19 Dhu Al-Hijja 1445 [25 June 2024],
and in pursuance of the interest of work,
The Local Content Guide for Railways is hereby approved in accordance with the form attached.
This decision must be published in the official gazette, and comes into force on the date of its publication.
This decision hereby repeals all previous decisions and instructions in conflict with it.
The original copy of this decision must be sent to the Undersecretary of the Railway Transport Authority to act upon it and implement its provisions.
Acting President of the Transport General Authority
Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih
Issued on: 6 Jumada Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 8 December 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5062 issued on 27 December 2024.
Issued by Transport General Authority Decision 107/46/1
1․ Preamble
1․1 Review date:
Date | Version | Amendment details |
October 2024 | 1 | Version one |
1․2 Main document:
This document must be read in conjunction with Guideline 01: Main Document, which contains all definitions and standards used in the set of guides and guidance documents․
1․3 Definitions:
The following phrases and terms have—wherever mentioned in this guide—the meaning assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:
Authority: Transport General Authority․
Local content: The total spending in the Kingdom through the participation of Saudi elements in the workforce, goods, services, assets, technology, and the like․
Local content percentage: A percentage indicating the amount of spending on Saudi elements in the contract or establishment, as compared to the total spending on either․
Baseline: The local content percentage in the commercial establishment when it submits an application for a license or license renewal․
Local content certificate: A document issued by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority showing the baseline of an establishment․
Guideline: Local Content Percentage Template: A guide issued by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority and published on its website, detailing the mechanism for filling out the local content percentage template (baseline)․
2․ Introduction
2․1 Objective:
This guide aims to explain the methodologies and tools for measuring local content and developing it so that it becomes the main reference for coordinating local content development efforts in the railway transport sector in the Kingdom, that is through clarifying the requirements necessary to measure the local content baseline for establishments operating in the sector, in addition to clarifying the local content requirements for companies operating in the railway transport sector, in a manner that does not conflict with the applicable laws and regulations․
The Transport General Authority and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority seek to develop local content in the railway transport sector, by aligning the targeted plans to increase local content submitted by railway service providers with the strategic objectives of the railway transport sector and following up on their implementation with the aim of enhancing the contribution of local content to the national economy in a sustainable manner․
2․2 Scope of Operation
The guide and directives in this regard apply to:
(a) Railway service providers licensed by the authority and whose license has at least 12 months remaining․
(b) Railway service providers wishing to renew an existing license for a period not less than 12 months․
(c) Issuance of a new license for a period of not less than 12 months․
Railway services subject to the scope of this guide include the following activities:
1․ Operation and management of infrastructure․
2․ Maintenance of railway infrastructure components․
3․ Management and operation of container handling areas connected to the network․
4․ Operation of stations․
5․ Carriage of passengers by railways between cities․
6․ Carriage of passengers by railways within cities․
7․ Carriage of goods by railways within cities․
8․ Carriage of goods by railways between cities․
9․ Maintenance of trains, carriages, and equipment․
The requirements set out in this guide are without prejudice to any local content obligations of the licensee under any other legal instruments․
3․ Pillars for measuring local content percentage
The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority has created a methodology to measure the local content percentage, and that is through determining the total spending through the participation of Saudi elements in goods and services, employee compensation, asset depreciation, capacity development, and the like․[1]
The methodology for measuring the local content percentage includes four main pillars:
The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority has created a methodology to measure the local content percentage, and this is done through determining the total spending through the participation of Saudi elements in goods and services, employee compensation, asset depreciation, capacity development, and the like․
The methodology for measuring the local content percentage includes four main pillars:
Local content percentage | Local content in goods and services
Net cost of goods and services |
Local content in asset depreciation
Net cost of asset depreciation |
Local content in capabilities development
Net cost of capabilities development |
Local content in employee compensation
Net employee compensation |
4․ Measuring local content and its mechanisms
4․1 Measuring the baseline of the establishments:
The baseline of an establishment is measured based on the pillars mentioned in section 3 of this guide, using a template—under specific controls—that enables the establishment to calculate its local content percentage, and measure the details of its historical local content performance for the period of the last completed financial year․[2]
If an establishment wishes to obtain a local content certificate, it shall visit one of the audit offices approved by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority to review the form and complete the subsequent procedures․
5․ Local content requirements in Transport General Authority licenses
The requirements related to local content must be submitted to the Transport General Authority in accordance with the scope of application of the guide as follows:
– Local content certificate (baseline at the level of the establishment) as described in section 4․1 of the guide․
– A plan for nationalising jobs related to railway transport sector activities, at the baseline level of the establishment, as per the license period, provided that it includes—at least—the following details:
(a) Job titles in the establishment․
(b) Current nationalisation percentage for each job title․
(c) Targeted nationalisation percentage for each job title․
– A plan to develop local content in goods and services and to develop the capabilities of the establishment, as per the license period․ This must be explained by the following mechanism, including but not limited to:
(a) A list of goods that represent at least 70% of the total projected spending on goods․
(b) A list of services that represent at least 70% of the total projected spending on services․
(c) The current and expected country of origin of the goods mentioned in point (a)
(d) The current and expected country of origin of the service providers mentioned in point (b)․
(e) The current and projected volume of spending on training Saudi employees․
(f) The current and projected volume of spending on research and development․
(g) The current and projected spending on supplier development․
6․ Railway project licensees
Licensees, in accordance with the scope of this guide, shall carry out the following:
1․ Developing internal policies and procedures to contribute to raising the local content percentage․
2․ Submitting an annual report on the local content percentage, which was measured based on the methodology approved by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority․ The annual report must include the following:
(a) All efforts related to developing local content that the establishment worked on during the period․
(b) Annual reports must be submitted one year after submitting the plan for nationalising jobs related to railway transport sector activities, the plan for developing local content in goods and services, and developing capabilities․
3․ A responsible person must be appointed to represent the licensee as a focal point between the entity and the authority in matters related to local content․ This person must be well qualified and at an appropriate level to bear responsibility for the local content requirements of the licensee․
7․ Improving the performance of licensees
If the annual report submitted by the licensee shows so, the authority may carry out the following:
1․ In the event that the performance of the railway service provider in local content is noticeably weak compared to its peers, the Transport General Authority shall provide support to the licensee, by holding meetings and discussing this matter to identify the elements and improvement inputs that can be made to achieve the necessary improvements․
2․ In the event that performance continues to be below the standard, the Transport General Transport Authority may coordinate with the licensee or project owner and propose or impose a plan to improve the local content performance of the licensee, in coordination with the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority․
3․ The Transport General Authority shall monitor the process of delivering and implementing the performance improvement plan․
Local content concept
https://lcgpa․gov․sa/ar/LocalContent/Pages/default․aspx
Templates and guidelines for measuring local content, and a list of audit offices
https://lcgpa․gov․sa/ar/LocalContent/Pages/Measure-Local-Content․aspx
[1]The local content concept and measurement pillars can be viewed on the website of the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority․
[2]The local content measurement template and instructions for filling out the form, in addition to the list of approved audit offices, can be viewed on the local content measurement templates and guidelines section and the audit offices section on the website of the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority․
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5062 issued on 27 December 2024.
Based on article 9 of the system of the authority issued by the Council of Ministers Decision 216 dated 17 Jumada Al-Thani 1431 [31 May 2010] and its subsequent amendments, which stipulates that: “The board is the competent authority to manage the affairs of the authority, conduct its business, and take all necessary decisions to achieve its purposes within the limits of the provisions of this system”.
after perusal of the Board of Directors of the Authority Decision 06/202/2024 at its meeting 202 dated 10 March 2024, which includes the approval of the “Technical Regulations for Tanks – Part Three: Dry Gas Transport Tanks”.
and based on Executive Decision 080 dated 28 October 2024, the board hereby approves the “Technical Regulation for Tanks – Part Three: Dry Gas Transport Tanks” in accordance with Document (ME 202-24-05-02-01), which aims to determine the basic requirements for dry gas transport tanks, included in the scope of this regulation, determine the conformity assessment procedures that suppliers must adhere to, in order to ensure the conformity of this product, and maintain the health and safety of road users.
Issued on: 5 Jumada Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 6 December 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5059 issued on 6 December 2024.
Issued by Board of Directors Decision D/2/25/2024 dated 29 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [1 December 2024]
The following words and phrases—wherever they appear in these controls—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:
Kingdom: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Controls: The Controls for Government Entities Renting Real Estate Outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Authority: The State Properties General Authority.
Government entities: Ministries, government agencies, authorities, public institutions and establishments, and agencies with independent public legal personality desiring to rent real estate outside the Kingdom.
Head of the government entity: A minister, a chairman of the board of directors, or a senior official in a government entity that does not have a chairman of the board of directors, or his authorised representative.
Government entity personnel: Whoever works for a government entity or provides a service to it on a permanent or temporary basis, including personnel of diplomatic missions.
Mission: An embassy, a permanent delegation to international or regional organizations, a consulate, or the offices abroad that are subordinate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Head of the mission: Whoever is selected to work in this capacity.
Host state: The state in which the real estate to be rented is located.
Lessor: The owner of the real estate or the person who has the right to rent it in accordance with the laws of the host state.
Renewal: An agreement between the parties to the contract to re-sign the expired contract, or one that is about to expire, under the same terms and conditions of the previous contract or with amendments to it.
A government entity shall not rent real estate outside the Kingdom except when there is a serious need for it after obtaining the approval of the authority, while complying with the following:
1․ That the government entity does not have real estate that meets its needs, is usable, and is not being utilized.
2․ That the authority does not have real estate that meets the needs of the government entity.
3․ That there is no vacant space within state-owned real estate in the same city that can be used to meet the needs of the government entity, after obtaining the approval of the government entity utilizing the real estate, and without prejudice to the work of any other government entity sharing the same real estate.
4․ That the government entity has the required financial approval to rent and utilize the real estate.
5․ That the government entity obtains the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if it desires to rent an office or a separate building outside the headquarters of a mission.
6․ Considering the balance between the interest of buying and renting in accordance with the plan for real estate needs of the government entity outside the Kingdom.
Except for those whose housing is stipulated by the laws, housing for government entity personnel is not considered a need that permits renting. If the purpose of renting is to house personnel whose housing is required by the laws, then the amounts paid by the government entity for rent must not exceed the cash accommodation stipend for the beneficiary at the time of renting, extension, or renewal. Matters for which royal decrees, orders, or decisions have been issued are exempted from this.
The following conditions must be met in real estate intended to be rented:
1․ That it is free from construction defects.
2․ That it meets the required licensing requirements from the competent entities in the host state.
3․ That its specifications are consistent with the needs of the government entity.
4․ That the area of the real estate required to be rented is within the limits of the needs of the government entity desiring to rent in accordance with the standards approved by the authority.
5․ That it is insured by the lessor—if available—in accordance with the laws of the host state.
6․ That there is no violation issued against it from any competent entity that affects its use, and that it is not the subject of a dispute.
7․ That it does not belong to a personnel of the authority or the government entity, to a relative of his up to the third degree, or to anyone who has a direct influence on the rental process.
8․ That the real estate does not belong to a person whose dealing with is prohibited in accordance with the laws, regulations, and decisions issued by the relevant entities in the Kingdom or the host state.
1․ A government entity shall submit an application to rent real estate outside the Kingdom, accompanied by financial appropriations and approvals—if any—in accordance with the form prepared for this purpose, which must include the following:
(a) The type of real estate required and its location.
(b) The purpose of renting the real estate.
(c) The duration of real estate rental.
(d) Technical and security specifications of the real estate.
2․ The application must be returned to the government entity for correction or completion of documents within 15 working days.
3․ The authority shall review the rental application and issue its decision to approve it after coordination with the entities desiring to rent in the same city—to avoid competition among them and to achieve efficiency in the rental process—or reject it, or offer a state-owned real estate that meets the needs of the government entity, within a period not exceeding 15 working days from the date of completion of the application, and the authority may extend it for a similar period. In the event that the authority rejects the application, the decision must be reasoned.
1․ After the initial approval of the authority of the rental application, the government entity shall provide offers from marketing and brokerage companies and real estate consultancies, with a minimum of three offers and within the limits of its financial appropriations. The government entity shall exercise the necessary professional care when providing the offers, and the government agency may—as an exception—suffice with submitting one offer that is accompanied by reasons.
2․ The authority may provide additional offers or alternative offers to those submitted by a government entity, and may seek assistance from whomever it deems to be of expertise and competence from outside its personnel.
3․ The authority shall review the offers and verify their compatibility with the needs of the government entity.
4․ It is permitted for offers to include basic amenities, furnishing, and technical and security requirements that enable the government entity to use the real estate.
5․ The authority shall issue its approval of the appropriate offers within a period not exceeding 15 working days from the date of receipt of the offers, and the authority may extend this period for a similar period. The authority shall notify the government entity of the decision in order to complete the legal procedures.
1․ The government entity shall form a technical committee with no less than three members.
2. The committee shall—in coordination with the head of the mission or his authorised representative—examine the approved offers in order to evaluate them from a technical, security, and financial perspective, shall ensure their suitability to the needs of the government entity, shall recommend the appropriate ones of them, and shall prepare a report on this within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of the formation of the committee.
3․ The committee shall negotiate with real estate owners in order to reach the best possible price offer in line with the prevailing prices in the city.
4․ The government entity shall submit the report—provided in paragraph 2 of this article—to the head of the government entity or his authorised representative in order to complete the legal procedures.
The government entity shall communicate with the relevant security agencies in to order ensure that the selected real estate does not belong to persons or entities prohibited to deal with.
1․ The contract must be for a period not exceeding five years, and automatically renews for a similar period or periods—after the approval of the authority—with a maximum of 20 years from the date of signing the contract, unless one party notifies the other of its unwillingness to renew, at least 60 days before the end date of the contract, taking into account the laws of the host state regarding the provisions for notifying unwillingness to renew.
2․ As an exception to paragraph 1 of this article in cases of necessity determined by the government entity and in accordance with reasons accepted by the authority, it is permitted to renew the contract for additional periods exceeding 20 years, but not exceeding 30 years.
3․ The government entity shall notify the authority of its desire to renew or terminate the contract at least 120 days before the end date of the contract, in accordance with the form prepared for this purpose.
1․ The head of the government entity or his authorised representative shall sign the contract in accordance with the financial appropriations.
2․ The government entity shall manage the contract and pay its value.
3. The contract value must be paid in equal installments at the beginning of each contractual year of the contract term or according to the terms of the contract.
4․ The government entity shall provide the authority with a copy of the contract, and any amendment, renewal, or termination of it, in accordance with the controls.
5․ The government entity or its authorized representative shall prepare a report upon receipt and delivery of the real estate, in accordance with the form prepared for this purpose, which must include the condition of the real estate and its amenities, and the government entity shall provide the authority with a copy of these reports within ten working days from the date of receipt or delivery of the real estate.
The government entity may provide temporary headquarters for the mission or the technical offices affiliated with it or housing for the heads of missions or officials, and it may benefit from the options available in the host state, such as offices, furnished residential units, hotel apartments, and hotels, provided that the real estate is furnished and ready for use, for a period not exceeding one year, which may be renewed for a similar period after the approval of the head of the government entity within the limits of the financial appropriations of the government entity.
Without prejudice to the provisions of the controls and as an exception to article 6, the government entity may directly rent real estate within the limits of the financial appropriations, in the following cases:
1․ Temporary headquarters of the mission or the technical offices affiliated with it or housing for heads of missions or officials.
2․ Permanent headquarters of mission offices or affiliated technical offices, the value of each contract of which does not exceed 300,000 (three hundred thousand) United States dollars annually.
3․ Permanent housing for the head of the mission or officials or for support services such as warehouses, parking lots, and the like, the value of each contract of which does not exceed 50,000 (fifty thousand) United States dollars annually.
1․ Without prejudice to the provisions of the controls, two or more government entities may—after obtaining the approval of the authority—rent a single real estate that meets their needs in the host state in accordance with the form prepared for this purpose.
2․ The government entity shall undertake the procedures for the rental application, provided that the request specifies the area required for each government entity.
3․ The government entity that has the largest area of the rented property shall manage the contract, the costs of public services, and the costs of operating and maintaining the building. If the rented areas are equal, the responsibility must be borne by the entity that rented first.
4․ Each government entity shall bear the costs of the basic amenities of the real estate public services, and the like, according to its area [utilized area ÷ total area] × total costs.
1․ The government entity shall, when signing the contract, ensure that it complies with the controls, in a manner that does not conflict with the laws of the host state and prevailing customs, and that it includes the following:
(a) A text whereby the lessor bears the cost of carrying out remedial maintenance (corrective and refurbishment) of the basic amenities of the rented real estate at his own expense, and the lessor must not be compensated or his rent increased for carrying out remedial maintenance works that limit the use of the real estate during the term of the contract.
(b) A text that gives it the right to rescind the contract in the event of force majeure or emergency circumstances.
(c) A text obliging the lessor to bear the value and costs of marketing and brokerage.
(d) A text containing the applicable law.
2․ The government entity may bear—in accordance with the laws of the host state and prevailing customs—the insurance amount, and any fees or taxes resulting from the contract, unless it is exempted from that, under international agreements and treaties to which the Kingdom and the host state are a party.
3․ The government entity may acquire the real estate through a lease-to-own agreement in accordance with the Procedures Governing the Acquisition of Real Estate Outside the Kingdom.
The government entity renting the real estate shall submit a periodic report to the authority on the condition of the rented real estate in accordance with the form prepared for this purpose.
The procedures stipulated in the controls may be taken electronically.
The authority shall issue the forms necessary to implement the provisions provided in the controls.
The controls must be published in the official gazette, and come into force from the date of their publication.
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5068 issued on 7 February 2025.