Issued by …
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5063 issued on 5 January 2025.
The Minister of Justice,
based on the powers granted to him by law, and in accordance with article 42 of the Advocacy Law, issued by Royal Decree D/38 dated 28 Rajab 1422 [16 October 2001],
and after perusal of Ministerial Decisions 4649 dated 8 Jumada Al-Thani 1423 [17 August 2002], 3453 dated 24 Dhu Al-Hijja 1442 [3 August 2021], and 1417 dated 19 Rabi Al-Thani 1444 [14 November 2022], and after coordination with the Saudi Bar Association, and in pursuance of the interest of work,
hereby decides
First
The Executive Regulation of the Advocacy Law is hereby approved, in the form attached.
Second
The Code of Professional Conduct for Advocates, issued by Ministerial Decision 3453 dated 24 Dhu Al-Hijja 1442 [3 August 2021], is hereby amended as follows:
1. Rule 9bis is herby added to read as follows:
1. Taking into account the stipulations of article 16 of the law, an advocate who has previously worked in the judiciary—and his equivalent—for a period of three years from the date of the termination of his relationship with it, shall not plead in person, or through another person, in any lawsuit, or provide advice for any incident in the following cases:
(a) If the lawsuit or incident is being considered by a court or committee in which he worked during the last two years of his work.
(b) If the lawsuit or incident is being considered by a court or committee for which the review of the rulings and decisions are within the competence of a court or committee in which he worked during the last two years of his work.
(c) If the lawsuit or incident had the Public Prosecution branch in which he worked during the last two years of his work, take any procedures within the competences of the Public Prosecution.
2. The lawsuits and incidents in which a person who previously worked in the judiciary—or his equivalent—is a party, or a guardian, trustee, supervisor of a waqf, or agent for a spouse, relative, or in-law up to the fourth degree are hereby excluded from the provisions stipulated in paragraph 1 of this rule.
3. The provisions of this rule apply to those who have previously worked in the judiciary and their equivalent, namely:
(a) Judges in the general judiciary, or the Board of Grievances, members of the Public Prosecution, and members of the committees referred to in article 1 of the law.
(b) Technical and administrative employees working in the general judiciary courts or the Board of Grievances, branches of the Public Prosecution, and secretariats of the committees referred to in article 1 of the law.
4. The prohibition stipulated in paragraph 1 of this rule includes all works of the profession, including pleading, representing others, providing Sharia and legal consultations, expressing an opinion, preparing lawsuit documents, and participating in any of these activities with or without a contract.
2. Paragraph 6 of rule 38 is hereby added to read as follows:
6. Those who have previously worked in the judiciary shall not refer to their work in it.
4. Rule 45bis is hereby added to read as follows:
Without prejudice to article 37 of the law, the competent department in the Ministry of Justice shall notify the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority of any decision issued by the Disciplinary Committee regarding a violation of the provisions of rule 9bis of the rules, and of any violation of the rules that falls within the competence of the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority.
Third
This regulation hereby replaces the Executive Regulation of the Advocacy Law, issued by Ministerial Decision 4649 dated 8 Jumada Al-Thani 1423 [17 August 2002] and the following is hereby repealed:
1. Rules for Limiting Conflicts of Interest for Those Who Previously Worked in the Judiciary—and Their Equivalent—when Practicing the Advocacy Profession, issued by Ministerial Decision 1417 dated 19 Rabi Al-Thani 1444 [14 November 2022].
2. Rules for the Control, Filing, and Consideration of Disciplinary Lawsuits, issued by Ministerial Decision 2403 dated 6 Ramadan 1443 [8 April 2022].
3. The Executive Regulations for Regulating Licensing of Foreign Law Firms, issued by Ministerial Decision 186 dated 25 Muharram 1444 [23 August 2022].
Fourth
This decision must be published in the official gazette and comes into force sixty days after the date of its publication.
May Allah provide success.
Minister of Justice
Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani
Issued on: 19 Rabi Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 23 October 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5056 issued on 15 November 2024.
With the help of Allah the Almighty,
We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud,
King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
based on article 70 of the Basic Law of Governance issued by Royal Order O/90 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412 [1 March 1992],
based on article 20 of the Law of the Council of Ministers issued by Royal Order O/13 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1414 [20 August 1993],
based on article 18 of the Law of the Shura Council issued by Royal Order O/91 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412 [1 March 1992],
after perusal of Shura Council Decision 312/46 dated 29 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1443 [28 June 2022],
and after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 297 dated 12 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [15 October 2024],
have decreed as follows
First
The Emergency Law is hereby approved in the form attached.
Second
The Prime Minister, the ministers, and the heads of independent concerned entities—each within their area of competence—shall implement this decree of Ours.
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Issued on: 17 Rabi Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 20 October 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5070 issued on 14 February 2025.
Categories
The Emergency Law
Issued by Royal Decree D/89
Chapter 1
Definitions
Article 1
The following terms and phrases—wherever they appear in this law or the orders issued by virtue of it—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:
Law: The Emergency Law.
Council: The Emergency Supreme Council.
Public entities: Ministries; public authorities, institutions, and establishments; and their equivalent, and this includes entities subordinate to regulatory and judicial authorities.
Emergency incident: An event specified in article 2 of the law.
State of emergency: A legal state declared by the King—in accordance with the provisions of the law—to respond to an emergency incident requiring exceptional temporary measures to address it.
Emergency orders: Orders issued on the basis of article 12 of the law.
Sensitive infrastructure: Public and private assets, establishments, and facilities as well as systems and networks, including buildings; roads; means of transportation; water, gas, oil, electricity, and communications facilities; and other infrastructure facilities, whose failure, interruption, destruction, damage, or obstruction of access results in the occurrence of an emergency incident, the imminent threat of its occurrence, or the declaration of a state of emergency.
Chapter 2
Emergency Incident
Article 2
For the purposes of the law, an emergency incident means any incident or incident resulting in harm to individuals, sensitive infrastructure, health, public safety, security, public order, the stability and sovereignty of the Kingdom, continuity of business, the economy, or the resources of the Kingdom in a substantive manner, or the imminent threat of any of this. This includes disasters; volcanoes; earthquakes; floods; fires; nuclear, chemical, and biological incidents; military, electronic, cyber, chemical, and biological wars; terrorist operations; armed aggression and rebellion; disturbances; riots; epidemics; and pandemics.
Chapter 3 Purpose
of the Law
Article 3
The law aims to specify the provisions, rules, and procedures for the state of emergency, identify the exceptional authorities and provisions for ensuring the effective response to an emergency incident during a state of emergency in a manner that promotes the ability to defend the Kingdom; maintain public order, security, health, environment, and public safety in it; protect sensitive infrastructure; and enable business continuity.
Chapter 4 Emergency Supreme
Council
Article 4
1․ A council is hereby established by virtue of the law, formed under the chairmanship of the King, with the Crown Prince as the deputy of the chairman of the council, and with the membership of the following:
(a) Members of the Political and Security Affairs Council.
(b) Governor of the National Emergency Management Authority.
(c) Whoever the King sees fit to be appointed to the council by royal order.
2․ The council must have a chamber named the “Crisis Chamber” chaired by the National Security Advisor and with the membership of two senior-level representatives of the entities represented in the council and in the Board of Directors of the National Emergency Management Authority.
The head of the chamber may—when necessary—invite whoever he determines of the heads of public entities, officials, or those with expertise and knowledge, according to the requirements and nature of the state of emergency.
3․ The council must have a secretary appointed by royal order.
4․ The council shall meet at least once a year, and whenever necessary.
5․ The chairman of the council may invite to attend the meetings of the council whoever he determines to seek the assistance of, without having the right to vote.
6․
(a) The council must have an executive committee. A decision by the chairman of the council must be issued forming it and determining its tasks.
(b) The council may form standing or temporary committees to carry out the tasks assigned to it.
7․ The Political and Security Affairs Council shall prepare the rules, mechanisms, and procedures for the work of the council, which is approved by royal order.
Article 5
1․ The council shall practice the following mandates:
(a) Recommending the declaration of a state of emergency and detailing the grounds for its declaration, the duration of its implementation, and its geographical scope.
(b) Recommending policies relating to the preservation of public order, security, health, environment, public safety, defending the Kingdom, protecting its capabilities and assets, and enabling business continuity during the state of emergency, and instructing relevant public entities as required in this regard.
(c) Expressing opinions regarding any matter referred to it by the chairman of the council or his deputy.
(d) Any other mandate specified by the royal order declaring a state of emergency or any other royal order subsequent to it.
2․ The decisions of the council become final after their approval by the King.
3․ The Crisis Chamber shall practice the following mandates:
(a) Requesting reports, data, and information from the National Emergency Management Authority and public entities, and submitting recommendations to the council in their regard.
(b) Following up on the state of emergency.
(c) Any other mandate assigned to it by instructions from the chairman of the council or his deputy.
Chapter 5
Declaration of a State of Emergency
Article 6
When an emergency incident occurs and the King determines that it requires the declaration of a state of emergency because of it, the King shall declare a state of emergency by virtue of a royal order.
Article 7
The royal order declaring a state of emergency must specify the following:
1․ The emergency incident for which the state of emergency is declared.
2․ The date of entry into force of the state of emergency. If the royal order does not stipulate a date of entry into force, the state of emergency is effective from the date of its declaration.
3․ The duration of the state of emergency. If the royal order does not stipulate a duration for the state of emergency, it expires by the lapse of six months, unless a royal order is issued to end it before this or to extend it.
4․ The geographical scope of the state of emergency.
Article 8
Public authorities shall—during a state of emergency—continue to carry out their duties, including those related to reducing risks, responding to the emergency incident, and recovering from it, in accordance with approved plans.
Article 9
The mere declaration of a state of emergency does not result in any right to any natural or legal person towards the Kingdom, public entities, or their personnel, or towards any other person, except those provided in the law or as stipulated in the declaration of a state of emergency.
Article 10
The end of a state of emergency does not prejudice the following:
1․ Legal positions and acquired obligations and rights that arise during the state of emergency.
2․ Completing any measure initiated by virtue of the provisions of the law or by virtue of any emergency order, unless stipulated otherwise in the relevant emergency order or unless a final ruling by the competent court is issued in regard to that measure.
3․ Any final judicial ruling issued in the implementation of the provisions of the law or emergency orders issued by virtue of it.
Chapter 6
The National Emergency Management Authority
Article 11
The National Emergency Management Authority shall—in its capacity as the main authority in relation to emergency management—prepare strategies, policies, programs, methodologies, standards, controls, guidelines, and performance indicators and measurement tools relating to the work of the authority. The authority may coordinate with relevant entities to determine their roles and responsibilities towards emergency management affairs.
Chapter 7 Emergency
Orders
Article 12
Royal orders named “emergency orders” are issued—when necessary—during a state of emergency providing necessary temporary measures and procedures that have the power of laws issued by the regulatory authority, to limit risks and to respond to the emergency incident and recover from it, as prescribed by articles 62 and 82 of the Basic Law of Governance.
Article 13
1․ A royal order issued declaring a state of emergency, as well as emergency orders, must be published through any official media outlets, in addition to being published in the official gazette. It is permitted, in accordance with the requirements and nature of the state of emergency, to publish using any means.
2․ Emergency orders stipulated as confidential are exempt from publication.
Article 14
Emergency orders are effective from the date of their issuance, unless another date is stipulated in them. Their effective date ends on the dates specified in them or by the end of the state of emergency in accordance with the provisions of the law, whichever is earlier.
Chapter 8
Obtaining Information and Documents
Article 15
Public and private entities, and any other entity specified by the council, shall provide the National Emergency Management Authority with any information or documents it requests for the purpose of planning or preparing for an emergency incident, determining the risks associated with it, or evaluating and developing its response plans or recovery plans.
Article 16
Information and documents obtained by virtue of the provisions of the law are classified as confidential information and documents in accordance with the Law on the Punishments for Publishing and Disclosing Confidential Information and Documents, unless such information and documents are available to the public.
Article 17
Whoever is concerned with implementing the provisions of the law shall abide by the confidentiality of the information and documents he accesses. He shall not disclose their confidentiality except if their use is necessary for the purposes specified by competent entities, and he shall not disclose the data relating to them without a legal justification.
Chapter 9
Duties and Powers of Those Responsible for Implementing Emergency Orders and the Limits of Their Liability
Article 18
Emergency orders must specify the public entities tasked with implementing such orders, and they must specify the personnel of such entities who have criminal enforcement status.
Article 19
Those tasked with the implementation of emergency orders shall take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of individuals, the safety of their property, minimising the negative impact arising from any measure they undertake by virtue of the provisions of the law and emergency orders, and treating individuals fairly.
Article 20
The personnel of public entities tasked with implementing emergency orders—and those who assist them—are exempt from civil and criminal liability for any measure they take while carrying out their tasks by virtue of emergency orders, provided that they abide by the provisions of the law and emergency orders, and the provisions and procedures provided in laws and regulations applicable during a state of emergency. This does not prejudice the compensation provisions stipulated in the law.
Chapter 10 Inability
to Perform Obligations Due to a State of Emergency
Article 21
Rules and controls must be issued—by virtue of emergency orders—aiming to address the impact of the inability to perform contracts and other obligations during a state of emergency or to limit the negative impact arising from them or from the implementation of the provisions of the law.
Chapter 11
Compensation for Measures Taken by Virtue of Emergency Orders
Article 22
The following are entitled to fair compensation:
1․ Whoever is assigned to perform a specific task or provide property, or has his property seized, expropriated, used, utilised, disposed of, transferred, or destroyed by virtue of emergency orders.
2․ Whoever is harmed as a result of any measure illegally taken under the pretext of implementing the provisions of emergency orders.
Article 23
1․ It is permitted—by virtue of an emergency order or a special royal order as the case may be—to form committees competent with assessing compensation in the cases provided in article 22 of the law. Their membership must not be less than three members including a Sharia or a legal advisor. The formation order must specify the legal affiliation of such committees, the work rules and procedures, and the assessment controls.
2․ The committees mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article shall issue their decisions within 30 working days from the date of submitting the compensation assessment application. The decisions are subject to objection before the competent administrative court within 60 days from the date the concerned person is notified of the decision.
Chapter 12
Objection to Measures Taken by Virtue of Emergency Orders
Article 24
The competent administrative court shall undertake considering lawsuits to annul decisions relating to the implementation of the provisions of emergency orders, including those relating to the validity of an arrest, imprisonment, house arrest, confiscation, seizure of property, suspension of activity or any part of it, or its restriction. It is permitted to appeal judgments issued by the court and object to them by the means of contestation in accordance with the legally stipulated provisions.
Article 25
Taking into account fulfilling procedural requirements relating to the consideration of lawsuits provided in article 24 of the law, the competent administrative court shall resolve such lawsuits within a period not exceeding 15 days from the date of the registration of the lawsuit.
Article 26
With the exception of cases of forgery, or if there is an excuse that prevented undertaking the lawsuit and is proven to the competent administrative court, lawsuits for the annulment of decisions relating to the implementation of the provisions of the law or emergency orders must not be heard after the lapse of 60 days from the end of the state of emergency.
Chapter 13
Crimes and Punishments
Article 27
1․ Whoever violates any of the provisions of the law must be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding a year, a fine not exceeding 100,000 Riyal, or both.
2․ Whoever violates any emergency order must be punished by the punishments stipulated in such order. If the emergency order does not stipulate the punishment to be imposed against its violators, the punishment must be imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, a fine not exceeding 50,000 Riyal, or both.
Article 28
The punishments provided in the law or emergency orders do not prejudice the Sharia Hadd or punishments that are more severe stipulated in any other law.
Article 29
The Criminal Procedures Law applies to the public criminal lawsuit in crimes for violating the provisions of the law or emergency orders. The Public Prosecution has the mandate to investigate these crimes, file a public criminal lawsuit, and undertake it before the competent court.
Article 30
It is permitted for emergency orders to specify special periods and procedures for considering crimes in violation of the provisions of the law or emergency orders within the limits required by the nature of the state of emergency, provided that this does not prejudice the guarantees stipulated in relevant laws.
Chapter 14 Final
Provisions
Article 31
The powers granted or delegated to any person by virtue of the law or emergency orders are in addition to any other powers granted to him by virtue of any other applicable law or regulation, unless otherwise stated in an emergency order.
Article 32
The law enters into force from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5070 issued on 14 February 2025.
The Council of Ministers,
after perusal of the file in Royal Order 65849 dated 22 Shawwal 1443 [23 May 2022], stipulating in paragraph 2 of clause First the approval to complete the necessary legal procedures to approve the draft System of the National Emergency Management Authority,
after perusal of the mentioned draft system,
after perusal of Royal Order 65849 dated 22 Shawwal 1443 [23 May 2022],
after perusal of the System of the National Security Center issued by the Council of Ministers Decision 164 dated 19 Rabi Al-Awwal 1440 [27 November 2018] and its amendments,
after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memorandum 2481 dated 6 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1443 [5 June 2022], Memorandum 2906 dated 29 Dhu Al-Hijja 1443 [28 July 2022], Memorandum 320 dated 2 Safar 1444 [29 August 2023], Memorandum 1225 dated 19 Rabi Al-Thani 1444 [13 November 2023], Memorandum 3640 dated 23 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1444 [12 June 2023], Memorandum 3884 dated 18 Dhu Al-Hijja 1444 [6 July 2023], Memorandum 756 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1445 [18 September 2024], Memorandum 1306 dated 16 Rabi Al-Thani 1445 [31 October 2024], and Memorandum 2863 dated 8 Sha’ban 1445 [18 February 2024],
after perusal of Secretariat of the Council of Political and Security Affairs Telegram 10465 dated 1 Sha’ban 1445 [11 February 2024],
after perusal of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Minutes 1166/45/M dated 21 Dhu Al-Hijja 1445 [28 June 2024],
and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 3656 dated 11 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [14 October 2024],
hereby decides
First
An entity named the “National Emergency Management Authority” is hereby established.
Second
The System of the National Emergency Management Authority is hereby approved in the form attached.
Third
In exception to article 8(1) of the system of the authority—referred to in clause Second of this decision—the board of directors of the authority shall meet five times during the first year from the date of its formation.
Fourth
The provisions contained in the system of the authority—referred to in clause Second of this decision—do not prejudice article 4(2) and article 5(2) of the System of the National Security Center issued by the Council of Ministers Decision 164 dated 19 Rabi Al-Awwal 1440 [27 November 2018] and its amendments.
Fifth
The work of the councils, agencies, and committees related to the risk and emergency framework continues until the approval of the draft of the National Emergency Management Strategy. The formation or proposal of any committees or others related to the mentioned framework or associated with the Board of Directors of the National Emergency Management Authority must be as determined appropriate by the board of directors.
The Prime Minister
Issued on: 12 Rabi Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 15 October 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5070 issued on 14 February 2025.
Issued by Council of Ministers Decision 296
Chapter
One Definitions
Article 1
The following terms and phrases—wherever they appear in this system—have the meanings assigned to them, unless the context requires otherwise:
Authority: The National Emergency Management Authority.
System: The system of the authority.
Board: The board of directors of the authority.
Governor: The governor of the authority.
Centers: The centers affiliated with the authority that carry out some of its mandates and responsibilities.
Critical infrastructure: Essential assets, properties, systems, networks, and services for which the disruption, stoppage, damage, or obstruction of access causes harm to public health and safety, security, public order, the economy, the environment, or social life.
Strategic reserve: Strategic goods and resources (essential resources) kept in storage and the like, for the purpose of avoiding their depletion in the event of an emergency.
Business continuity: The ability of an entity to continue performing its work and providing its basic services within an acceptable and predetermined level and timeframe when the work of the entity is interrupted, disrupted, or stopped.
Chapter Two
The Authority, Its Legal Status, and Its Mandates
Article 2
1․ The authority enjoys legal personality and financial and administrative independence, and is legally affiliated with the Prime Minister.
2․ The headquarters of the authority must be in the City of Riyadh. It may establish branches and offices inside or outside the Kingdom by a decision of the board.
Article 3
The authority is the competent authority and the main authority in the Kingdom regarding emergency management affairs. It shall aim to coordinate the roles and responsibilities of the relevant entities, and enhance their capabilities to reduce risks and impacts of emergencies through planning, monitoring, preparedness, and response, in a manner that ensures business continuity, supply chains, and the sustainability of providing critical infrastructure for their services. This does not relieve any public, private, or other entity of its responsibility for emergency affairs and business continuity, in a manner that does not conflict with the mandates and responsibilities of the authority provided in the system.
Article 4
The authority—without prejudice to its mandates stipulated in the Emergency Law, and without prejudice to the mandates and responsibilities of the relevant entities—shall carry out all that is necessary to achieve its objectives, and it may perform the following in particular:
1․ Preparing the Emergency Management National Strategy, supervising its implementation after its approval, evaluating its implementation, and proposing any amendment or improvement to it.
2․ Managing emergencies by coordinating the roles and responsibilities of the relevant entities in accordance with the provisions of the system.
3․ Proposing draft laws, systems and regulations related to its mandates, as well as conducting a periodic review of the laws and regulations related to its work to determine their adequacy and work on developing them.
4․ Proposing strategies, policies, plans, programs, methodologies, standards, controls, guidelines, performance measurement indicators and tools, and reports related to emergencies and business continuity, in coordination with the relevant entities. This includes classifying emergency levels and approving them in accordance with established procedures.
5․ Preparing national frameworks and guidance manuals related to emergencies and business continuity, following up on compliance with them, and updating them.
6․ Preparing executive programs and policies related to training and drills to implement the contents of the plans in coordination with the relevant entities, periodically, in accordance with the provisions of the system.
7․ Preparing a register of critical infrastructure and identifying and classifying it, in coordination with the relevant entities.
8․ Preparing a national strategy for strategic reserve, supervising its implementation after its approval, evaluating its implementation, and proposing any amendment or improvement to it.
9․ Preparing the necessary national policies, frameworks, and plans to sustain supply chains in a way that ensures business continuity when emergencies occur.
10․ Promoting and spreading the culture of reducing the risks of emergencies, supply chain disruptions, and the mechanism to deal with them at all stages, as well as ensuring business continuity in accordance with the provisions of the system.
11․ Creating comprehensive and integrated technical systems for early warning, developing them periodically, and linking the relevant authorities to them.
12․ Preparing rules and policies for establishing or designating public or private refuges and shelters, and determining their specifications, standards, and the mechanism for managing and supervising them.
13․ Strengthening national capacities specialized in emergency management and business continuity, and participating in preparing educational and training programs related to them in accordance with the provisions of the system.
14․ Preparing rules and policies in coordination with the relevant entities to unify the media message when an emergency occurs in all visual and audio media means, printing and publishing houses, and other media and advertising outlets.
15․ Receiving periodic reports and statistics from the entities concerned with emergency management, studying them, preparing analytical data on them, and taking the necessary action in regard to them.
16․ Internationally cooperating with states and regional and international bodies and organizations, and representing the Kingdom in international conferences and forums related to the mandates of the authority.
Article 5
In order to achieve the objectives for which it is established and to carry out its mandates and tasks, without prejudice to the mandates of other government entities, the authority shall take all necessary means to achieve them, including the following:
1․ Proposing to establish centers. The determination of their legal affiliation and financial status, the means of implementing their mandates, and the mechanism for implementing the tasks assigned to them by the authority must be determined by a decision of the board.
2․ Establishing databases for data, information, and statistics related to the objectives and mandates of the authority, as well as classifying them and analyzing them.
3․ Linking the centers and chambers concerned with managing emergency, crisis, or disaster operations at the relevant entities with the National Emergency Operations Center at the authority.
4․ Conducting a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of national risks, in coordination with the relevant entities, and reporting on required matters to the board to take the action it deems necessary.
5․ Utilizing distinguished national cadres and capabilities in the fields of work of the authority.
6․ Collecting the fee set to the authority and its centers for any work or service provided in accordance with the system.
7․ Conducting research and studies related to risks and emergencies, and predicting their occurrence and the mechanism to deal with them.
8․ Organizing and holding workshops, seminars, conferences, and training courses in the fields of risk, emergency management, and business continuity, in accordance with established procedures.
9․ Proposing the allocation of the necessary resources to reduce the impacts resulting from emergencies to implement plans and projects from the budgets of the relevant entities after coordination with them.
Chapter Three
The Board of Directors of the Authority and Its Mandates
Article 6
1․ The authority must have a board of directors chaired by the Prime Minister, and the membership of each of:
– The Minister of Energy—Member.
– The Minister of Interior—Member.
– The Minister of the National Guard—Member.
– The Minister of Foreign Affairs—Member.
– The National Security Adviser—Member.
– The Minister of Health—Member.
– The Minister of Commerce—Member.
– The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture—Member.
– The Minister of Finance—Member.
– The Minister of Information—Member.
– The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources—Member.
– The Minister of Communications and Information Technology—Member.
– The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services—Member.
– The Head of State Security—Member.
– The Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority—Member.
– The Governor of the National Emergency Management Authority—Member.
– Any other member appointed by an order issued by the Prime Minister.
2․ The chairman of the board may delegate whomever he deems appropriate from the members to chair the board in the event of his absence.
3․ The board shall appoint a secretary from among the personnel of the authority, chosen by the chairman based on a nomination by the governor. He shall assume the secretariat of the board, prepare for meetings, record minutes, deliberations, and decisions, and carry out any other task assigned to him.
Article 7
The board is the supreme authority in control of the authority, and is responsible for managing its affairs and supervising it and the exercise of its activities and mandate. It may take the necessary decisions, procedures, and measures to achieve the objectives for which the authority was established, and it has the following powers and mandates in particular:
1․ Approving the National Emergency Management Strategy and submitting it to complete the necessary legal procedures for its approval.
2․ Developing, updating, and defining the roles and responsibilities of government entities and relevant entities through one or more regulations, and reporting on the legal procedures required to be taken for approval.
3․ Proposing the laws, systems, decisions, and strategies related to the mandates of the authority, and reporting on any legal procedures required to be taken.
4․ Approving national plans and frameworks, policies, programs, methodologies, standards, controls, guidelines, manuals, indicators, measurement tools, and reports related to emergencies and business continuity, in coordination with the relevant entities, including identifying and classifying emergency levels, and reporting on the required legal procedures for their approval.
5․ Approving executive programs and policies related to training and drills to implement the contents of the plans.
6․ Approving the National Strategic Reserve Strategy, and submitting it according to the legal procedures.
7․ Approving the rules and policies necessary to establish or identify public or private refuges and shelters, and reporting on any required legal procedures.
8․ Approving the rules and policies necessary to unify the media message when an emergency occurs.
9․ Forming committees or fieldwork teams from any government entities in the regions or governorates of the Kingdom, and entrusting them with any work related to the nature of the work of the authority. The decision to form them must specify their chairman, members, secretary, mandates, legal affiliation, remuneration of members, rules of work, and the mechanism for making their decisions and recommendations.
10․ Approving the fee received by the authority and the centers for the services, works, activities, and consultations they provide.
11․ Issuing decisions and approving the regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the system, in a manner that achieves the objectives and mandates of the authority.
12․ Approving the organizational structure of the authority and the centers, and their related manuals.
13․ Approving the establishment of centers and the establishment of branches and offices in accordance with the provisions of the system.
14․ Approving the administrative, financial, and technical regulations, the authority matrix table, the salary scales for the employees, experts, consultants, and collaborators of the authority, and the compensation of those the authority enlists.
15․ Appointing the internal financial controller for the authority and the centers.
16․ Approving the signing of agreements, protocols, and contracts, and submitting them in accordance with established legal procedures.
17․ Approving the draft annual budget of the authority, its final account, the accounts auditor report, and the annual report, and submitting them to complete the legal procedures, as well as reviewing the periodic reports submitted by the authority and the progress of its work.
18․ Accepting gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and awqaf, in accordance with the relevant laws.
19․ Tasks assigned to it by virtue of orders, laws, or decisions of the Council of Ministers.
20․ Forming committees—standing or temporary—from its members or others, to which it entrusts whatever tasks it deems appropriate. The decision to form each committee must specify its chairman, members, secretary, and mandates. It may also enlist whomever it deems appropriate to carry out the tasks entrusted to it, unless the board decides otherwise.
The board may—also—delegate some of its mandates to its chairman or to any of its members or personnel of the authority.
Article 8
1․ The board shall meet once every six months, or whenever necessary, as determined by the chairman of the board.
2․ The meeting is only valid if attended by a majority of the members—at least—including the chairman of the board. Decisions must be issued by a majority of the votes of those in attendance—at least—and in the event of a tie, the side with which the chairman of the board voted prevails.
3․ The board may invite to attend its meetings whoever it deems to have expertise and knowledge in the field of work of the authority, without having the right to vote on the decisions of the board.
4․ The board may hold meetings and vote on them remotely through the use of technological communication means, and the board may—when necessary—issue its decisions by circulation.
Chapter Four
The Authority and Its Administrative Agencies
Article 9
The authority must have a governor with the rank of minister and a deputy with the excellent rank, and the governor and his deputy must be appointed based on a proposal from the chairman of the board. The governor is responsible for managing the authority, conducting its business, and supervising the work of the centers. His responsibilities and powers must be within the limits stipulated in the regulations and decided by the board, and he may exercise the following powers in particular:
1․ Preparing the Emergency Management National Strategy, supervising its implementation after its approval, evaluating its implementation, and proposing any amendment or improvement to it.
2․ Supervising the preparation of draft laws, systems, and regulations related to the mandate of the authority, and conducting a periodic review of them to determine their adequacy and work on developing and updating them, in accordance with the established legal procedures, as well as submitting them to the board for consideration.
3․ Supervising the preparation of national frameworks and plans, strategies, policies, programs, methodologies, standards, controls, guidelines, manuals, performance measurement indicators and tools, and reports related to emergencies and business continuity, in coordination with the relevant entities. This includes supervising the identification and classification of emergency levels.
4․ Supervising the preparation of training and drill programs and policies to implement the provisions of the plans, in coordination with the relevant entities, and submitting them to the board for approval.
5․ Preparing a register of critical infrastructure and identifying and classifying it, in coordination with the relevant entities.
6․ Supervising the preparation of the National Strategic Reserve Strategy, supervising its implementation after its approval, evaluating it, and proposing updates to it.
7․ Supervising the preparation of the rules and policies necessary to establish or designate public or private refuges and shelters, determining their specifications and standards, and the mechanism for their management and supervision, and submitting them to the board for consideration and approval.
8․ Recommending the declaration of a state of emergency in coordination with the relevant entities, detailing its grounds, impact, and geographical scope, in accordance with the rules approved by the board.
9․ Issuing the necessary decisions to activate national emergency plans in accordance with the rules and policies decided by the board.
10․ Supervising the preparation of the organizational structure of the authority, its administrative, financial, and technical regulations, the salary scales for the personnel, experts, consultants, and collaborators of the authority, the compensation of those the authority enlists, and the regulations necessary to manage its work, and submitting them to the board for approval.
11․ Disbursing from the approved budget, and taking all financial measures in accordance with the approved laws and regulations, and the powers authorized for him by the board.
12․ Supervising the preparation of the draft budget of the authority, its annual report, and the draft final account, and submitting them to the board.
13․ Signing agreements, protocols, and contracts, after the approval of the board, in accordance with the laws and instructions.
14․ Enlisting specialized experts, consultants, and collaborators that the authority needs, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
15․ Contracting with human cadres to work in the authority, in accordance with the organizational structure and internal regulations approved by the board.
16․ Contracting to perform works, services, and others, in accordance with the laws and powers authorized for him by the board.
17․ Representing the authority before the judiciary, government entities, and other institutions and establishments that relate to the mandate of the authority, and other entities inside or outside the Kingdom, in accordance with the applicable legal procedures.
18․ Following up on the implementation of the decisions issued by the board, the decisions related to the work of the authority, or matters specified in the authorities matrix table.
Article 10
1․ The centers must include the National Emergency Operations Center and the Center for Excellence and Capacity Development. The two centers enjoy financial independence and are affiliated with the authority.
2․ The National Emergency Operations Center aims to monitor emergencies, respond to them when they occur, and recover from them by coordinating the roles and responsibilities of the relevant entities. The board shall determine the necessary mandates of the center.
3․ The Center for Excellence and Capacity Development aims to enhance and spread the culture of reducing emergency risks, supply chain disruptions, and the mechanism to deal with them at all stages, and ensuring business continuity. This includes qualifying experts and specialists. The board shall determine the necessary mandates of the center.
Chapter Five
The Relationship of the Authority with Other Entities
Article 11
All relevant entities shall cooperate with the authority in its field of work—regarding any inquiry, procedure, or request—to achieve its objectives, and the authority may in order to achieve this perform the following:
1․ Requesting a copy of documents, data, and information relating to its work.
2․ Enabling the personnel of the authority and its centers to perform their duties, and providing them with the data or information they request related to their work.
3․ Responding to its inquiries and observations, and informing it of updates done regarding them, as requested.
Chapter Six
The Budget of the Authority and Its Financial Resources
Article 12
The personnel of the authority—except for the governor and his deputy—are subject to the provisions of the Labor Law and the Social Insurance Law.
Article 13
1․ The authority must have an independent budget, the amounts of which are deposited in a special account in the name of the authority at the Saudi Central Bank, and disbursement from it must be in accordance with the financial regulations of the authority.
2․ The fiscal year of the authority is the fiscal year of the state. As an exception to this, the first fiscal year begins from the date of entry into force of the system and ends at the end of the next state fiscal year.
Article 14
The financial resources of the authority consist of the following:
1․ The financial appropriations allocated to it in the general budget of the state.
2․ Gifts, donations, aid, grants, bequests, and awqaf revenues, in accordance with the relevant laws.
3․ The fee received by the authority and its centers for the services, works, activities, and consultations they provide.
4․ Any other resource approved by the board in a manner that does not violate the laws and instructions.
Article 15
1․ All revenues of the authority must be deposited in the current account of the Ministry of Finance in the Saudi Central Bank.
2․ The authority shall open an account in the Saudi Central Bank, and it may open other accounts in any of the banks licensed to operate in the Kingdom. Disbursements from these accounts must be made in accordance with the budget of the authority.
Article 16
The governor shall submit reports to the board, as follows:
1․ An annual report within 90 days at most from the end of the fiscal year, which includes the following:
(a) The accomplishments and achievements of the authority during the previous year, the difficulties it faced, and the proposals it determines.
(b) A comprehensive evaluation of the emergency management system in the Kingdom during the year of the report.
2․ Reports—as needed—on specific topics that the authority deems important to submit.
Article 17
Without prejudice to the mandates of the General Bureau for Auditing, the board shall appoint one or more external account auditors licensed to operate in the Kingdom to audit the accounts of the authority and its transactions, statements, annual budget, and final account, and the board shall determine their fees. The report of the accounts auditor must be submitted to the board, and a copy of it must be provided to the General Bureau for Auditing after its approval by the board.
Chapter Seven
General Provisions
Article 18
The authority shall exercise its powers in the event of war or during the declaration of a state of emergency under the supervision of the Emergency Supreme Council.
Article 19
The system must be published in the official gazette, comes into force from the date of its publication, and repeals any provisions that conflict with it.
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5070 issued on 14 February 2025.
The Council of Ministers,
after perusal of Royal Court File 74936 dated 1 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1444 [21 May 2023], regarding the draft Emergency Law,
after perusal of the mentioned draft law,
after perusal of the Basic Law of Governance issued by Royal Order O/90 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412 [1 March 1992],
after perusal of the Law of the Shura Council issued by Royal Order O/91 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412 [2 March 1992],
after perusal of the Law of the Council of Ministers issued by Royal Order O/13 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1414 [20 August 1993],
after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memorandum 2481 dated 6 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1443 [5 June 2022], Memorandum 2906 dated 29 Dhu Al-Hijja 1443 [28 July 2022], Memorandum 320 dated 2 Safar 1444 [29 August 2022], Memorandum 3640 dated 23 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1444 [12 June 2023], Memorandum 3884 dated 18 Dhu Al-Hijja 1444 [6 July 2023], and Memorandum 756 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1445 [18 September 2023], Memorandum 1306 dated 16 Rabi Al-Thani 1445 [31 October 2023], Memorandum 2863 dated 8 Sha’ban 1445 [18 February 2024], Memorandum 2934 dated 11 Sha’ban 1445 [21 February 2024], Memorandum 5 dated 1 Muharram 1446 [7 July 2024], and Memorandum 1228 dated 11 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [14 October 2024],
after perusal of Secretariat of the Council of Political and Security Affairs Telegram 10465 dated 1 Sha’ban 1445 [11 February 2024],
after perusal of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Minutes 1166/45/M dated 12 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [25 December 2023],
after perusal of Shura Council Decision 312/46 dated 29 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1443 [28 June 2022],
and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 3656 dated 11 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [14 October 2024],
hereby decides
The Emergency Law is hereby approved in the form attached.
A draft royal decree has been prepared in the form attached.
The Prime Minister
Issued on: 12 Rabi Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 15 October 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5070 issued on 14 February 2025.
The Board of Directors of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, based on the powers and competences legally granted to it and based on the provisions of article 5(6) of the System of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, issued by Council of Ministers Decision 496 dated 14 Ramadan 1439 [29 May 2018], and amended by Council of Ministers Decision 621 dated 20 Shawwal 1442 [1 June 2021],
based on article 63 of the Law of Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties, and Industrial Designs, issued by Royal Decree D/27 dated 29 Jumada Al-Awwal 1425 [17 July 2004], amended by Council of Ministers Decision 536 dated 19 Shawwal 1439 [3 July 2018], and amended by Royal Decree D/45 dated 10 Rabi Al-Awwal 1445 [25 September 2023],
based on article 63 of the Executive Regulation of the Law of Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties, and Industrial Designs, issued by the President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Decision 3607329-2-161 dated 30 Dhu Al-Hijja 1436 [14 October 2015], and amended by the Board of Directors of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property Decision 5/8 /2019 dated 4 Ramadan 1440 [9 May 2019],
after perusal of the Board of Directors Decision 05/28/2023 dated 18 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [31 December 2023] approving the fee structure proposal,
and after perusal of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors Recommendation 01/03/2024 dated 29 Safar 1446 [4 September 2024], including the appropriateness of presenting to the board of directors for approving the amendment of the Executive Regulation of the Law of Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties, and Industrial Designs, and completing the necessary procedures in this regard,
and in pursuance of public interest,
hereby decides
First
The amendment of the Executive Regulation of the Law of Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties, and Industrial Designs, as amended by Board of Directors Decision 05/08/2019 dated 4 Ramadan 1440 [9 May 2019] is hereby approved. In accordance with the form attached (Document 01-585-IPL-Doc-SAIP).
Second
Chapter 12 of the regulation referred to in clause First of this decision comes into force upon completion of the legal procedures for the accession of the Kingdom to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs approved by Royal Decree D/243 dated 4 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1445 [12 May 2024].
Third
The amendment to the amount of the processing fee for the international search and preliminary examination service approved by the Board of Directors Decision 05/28/2023 dated 18 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [31 December 2023] is hereby approved, so that the processing fee is equivalent to 200 Swiss francs (paid to the international bureau) and is set as determined by the international bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Fourth
The provisions of the regulation referred to in clause First of this decision apply to protection application documents filed after the entry into force of the regulation, and protection application documents filed before the entry into force of the regulation for which a formal examination report or a first substantive examination report has not been issued.
Fifth
This decision must be published in the official gazette, and comes into force on the date of its publication.
Sixth
The chief executive officer of the authority shall complete the necessary procedures.
Seventh
This decision must be communicated to those who are required to implement it.
May Allah provide success.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Al-Shihana bint Saleh Al-Azzaz
Issued on: 10 Rabi Al-Thani 1446
Corresponding to: 14 October 2024
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5060 issued on 13 December 2024.
