Decree

Arabic

Issued by Council of Ministers Decision 43

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Article 1

The following terms—wherever they appear in this system—have the meanings assigned to each of them:

Organization:
The Saudi Irrigation Organization.

System:
The system of the organization.

Minister:
The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

Board:
The board of directors of the organization.

Chairman:
The chairman of the board.

Article 2

The organization enjoys public legal personality and financial and administrative independence. It is legally affiliated with the minister, its headquarters are in the Ahsa Governorate, and it may establish branches or offices within the Kingdom as needed.

Article 3

The organization aims to regulate, oversee, operate, and develop the works and services related to irrigation, dams, and treated water reuse activities in the Kingdom.

Article 4

The organization is responsible for managing, operating, and developing irrigation, dams, and treated water reuse activities in the Kingdom. It may—without prejudice to the mandates of other government entities—carry out all that is necessary to achieve its objectives, including the following:

1․ Setting policies, strategies, plans, and programs related to its mandates, reviewing and evaluating them, supervising their implementation, and reporting on matters that require the completion of legal procedures in their regard.

2․ Providing irrigation and agricultural drainage services, including the transportation, distribution, and sale of treated water for all uses (agricultural, industrial, and urban), as well as the design, construction, development, operation, and maintenance of dams.

3․ Setting irrigation scheduling programs for agricultural crops in accordance with water allocations.

4․ Treating and utilizing agricultural wastewater.

5․ Setting and implementing emergency and crisis plans for its activities and addressing water shortages, in coordination with the relevant entities, and in accordance with the relevant legal procedures.

6․ Proposing draft laws and regulations related to its mandates, proposing amendments to those in force, and reporting on them in accordance with legal procedures.

7․ Setting standards related to its mandates, and reporting on matters as needed in accordance with legal procedures.

8․ Applying the standards of water quality used in its activities, monitoring the level of its quality and the quality of agricultural soil, and supporting environmental restoration.

9․ Designing, constructing, developing, operating, and maintaining water supply sources for its activities in coordination with the relevant entities.

10․ Designing, constructing, developing, operating, and maintaining pumping stations, infrastructure works for the projects of the activities of the organization, and agricultural drainage systems.

11․ Developing the approved technologies for monitoring the consumption of irrigation water, dams, and treated water, ensuring their compliance with water use allocations and programs, and taking appropriate measures to address cases of non-compliance in accordance with the relevant laws, regulations, and procedures.

12․ Conducting studies and research related to its mandates in partnership with universities, institutes, and specialized entities.

13․ Adopting modern technologies to rationalize the use of irrigation water, dam water, and treated water.

14․ Representing the Kingdom, or participating in its representation, in local, regional, and international organizations and institutions related to its mandates, in accordance with the legal procedures.

15․ Holding and participating in workshops, seminars, conferences, and exhibitions.

16․ Coordinating with relevant entities to provide programs and courses in fields relating to its mandates, and qualifying human cadres working in these fields.

17․ Providing a database and statistical information on its activities.

18․ Investing in order to achieve its objectives, in accordance with the legal procedures.

19․ Determining the fee for the sale of treated water and the services, works, and products provided by the organization, in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.

20․ Licensing the practice of activities related to the mandates of the organization, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant laws, regulations, and the like.

21․ Enhancing revenues and achieving returns on investment in the assets of the organization from within the organization or in partnership with external entities, in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.

22․ Working to benefit from the available sources of irrigation water, dam water, and traditional and non-traditional treated water.

Article 5

1․ The organization must have a board of directors chaired by the minister and the membership of the following:

(a) A representative from the Ministry of Economy and Planning.

(b) A representative from the Ministry of Finance.

(c) A representative from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. (d) A representative from the Agricultural Development Fund.

(e) The chief executive officer of the organization.

(f) The chief executive officer of the National Water Company.

(g) Two persons with the expertise and competence in the field of work of the organization, whose appointment must be issued by an order of the Prime Minister based on a nomination by the chairman of the board.

2․ With the exception of the chairman and the two members referred to in paragraph (1)(e) and (f) of this article, the term of membership in the board is three years, renewable for a similar period and for one time.

3․ The rank of the representatives of the government entities must not be less than the 14th rank or its equivalent.

4․ The chairman shall choose a deputy from among the representatives of government entities, except for the chief executive officer of the organization.

Article 6

The board is the supreme authority over the affairs of the organization. It supervises its management and the conduct of its business, and shall take all the necessary decisions to achieve its objectives within the limits of the provisions of the system, and in particular, it may carry out the following:

1․ Supervising the implementation of the tasks entrusted to the organization.

2․ Approving the policies and strategies relating to the mandates of the organization, and the plans and programs necessary for their implementation, and reporting on matters that require the completion of legal procedures in their regard.

3․ Proposing draft laws and regulations related to the mandates of the organization, proposing amendments to those in force, and reporting on matters as needed in accordance with legal procedures.

4․ Approving the standards related to the mandates of the organization, and reporting on matters as needed in accordance with legal procedures.

5․ Reviewing the periodic reports submitted to it on the progress of work in the organization.

6․ Approving the organizational structure and guide of the organization.

7․ Approving the financial and administrative regulations governing the organization, and other internal regulations necessary for the management of its affairs. The approval of the financial regulations and provisions with financial impact in other regulations must be in agreement with the Ministry of Finance, and the approval of the administrative regulations must be in agreement with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

8․ Approving the remuneration and benefits of the specialized experts with the required competencies employed by the organization, in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.

9․ Determining the fee for the services, works, products, and licenses provided by the organization.

10․ Approving the draft budget of the organization, its final account, the accounts auditor report, and the annual report, in preparation for submitting them in accordance with the legal procedures.

11․ Approving the investment policies of the organization in order to achieve its objectives, in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.

12․ Accepting bequests, gifts, donations, endowment revenue, and grants submitted to the organization, in accordance with the provisions governing this.

13․ Approving the signing of agreements, memorandums of understanding, protocols, and contracts, in accordance with the established legal procedures.

14․ Appointing an external accounts auditor and an internal financial controller.

15․ Appointing a secretary general for the board.

The board may form standing or temporary committees from among its members or others, to which it assigns the tasks it deems fit. The decision to form each committee must specify its chairman, members, and mandates, and it may seek the assistance of whomever it deems fit to perform the tasks entrusted to it.

The board may delegate some of its mandates—except for the mandates mentioned in paragraphs 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 14 of this article—to any of the officials in the organization.

Article 7

1․ The board meetings must be held at the headquarters of the organization or in any other place in the Kingdom, under the chairmanship of the chairman or his delegate from among the members of the board representing government entities, except for the chief executive officer of the organization.

2․ The board must hold its meetings periodically provided that they are not less than two meetings per year. The chairman may call for a meeting whenever the need arises, or when requested by at least a third of the members of the board. The invitation to the meeting must be sent by the chairman, or his delegate, in writing at least seven days before the meeting, and the invitation must include the agenda and place of the meeting.

3․ The meeting of the board is valid if attended by at least a majority of its members, including the chairman or his delegate. Decisions are issued by at least a majority of the votes of those in attendance and in the event of a tie, the side with which the chairman of the meeting voted prevails.

4․ The board may—when necessary and as determined by the chairman—hold meetings and vote on recommendations and decisions remotely through the use of technology. Recommendations and decisions may be taken by circulation among the members, and they must be signed to indicate that all members have reviewed them. Recommendations and decisions issued in these two manners are not valid unless they are circulated and voted upon by all members of the board and obtain at least a majority of their votes.

5․ The board may invite whomever it deems appropriate to attend its meetings to provide information, opinions, or clarifications without having the right to vote.

6․ A member shall not abstain from voting or authorize another member to vote on his behalf during his absence. The objecting member shall record his objection and its reasons in the minutes of the meeting.

7․ The deliberations and decisions of the board must be recorded in minutes and must be signed by the chairman of the meeting and the members in attendance.

8․ A member shall not disclose any of the secrets of the organization that he has viewed because of his membership in the board.

9․ The secretary general of the board shall prepare the agendas, minutes of meetings, recommendations, and decisions.

Article 8

The organization must have a chief executive officer, appointed and relieved from his position by a decision by the board. He must be responsible for managing the affairs of the organization, and his responsibilities must be focused within the limits of the system and decisions of the board. He shall undertake the following mandates:

1․ Proposing the policies and strategies relating to the mandates of the organization, and the plans and programs necessary for their implementation, and submitting them to the board for consideration and approval.

2․ Supervising the progress of work in the organization through the approved regulations, plans, and programs.

3․ Proposing the structure of the organization and its organizational guide, the financial and administrative regulations governing the organization, and other internal regulations necessary for the management of its affairs, and submitting them to the board for consideration and approval.

4․ Implementing the decisions issued by the board.

5․ Supervising the preparation of the draft annual budget of the organization, its draft final account, and the annual report, and submitting them to the board for consideration and approval.

6․ Appointing the employees of the organization in accordance with the powers granted to him, and supervising them.

7․ Disbursing from the approved budget of the organization and taking all financial procedures, in accordance with the approved laws and regulations and the powers delegated to him by the board.

8․ Preparing reports on the implementation of the plans, programs, and achievements of the organization, and presenting them to the board.

9․ Signing agreements, memorandums of understanding, and contracts, in accordance with the relevant legal procedures.

10․ Contracting to perform the works, services, and tasks entrusted to the organization whenever the need arises, and other works and services, in accordance with the laws and powers delegated to him by the board.

11․ Organizing the participation of the organization in regional and international conferences, events, festivals, and exhibitions, in accordance with the legal procedures.

12․ Issuing the necessary decisions to implement the provisions of the system and the regulations issued based on it, and the adopted rules and procedures, in accordance with the powers entrusted to him.

13․ Representing the organization before the judiciary, and before government entities, other relevant institutions and authorities, and other entities inside and outside the Kingdom, and he may authorize others to do so.

14․ Proposing the remuneration and benefits of the specialized experts with the required competencies employed by the organization, and submitting them to the board for consideration and approval.

15․ Any other mandate assigned to him by the board.

The chairman may delegate some of his mandates to the employees of the organization he deems fit.

Article 9

The financial resources of the organization consist of the following:

1․ Allocations in the general budget of the state.

2․ The fee it collects for the services, works, products, and licenses it provides.

3․ Returns on its investments.

4․ Gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and endowment revenue accepted by the board, in accordance with the relevant legal procedures.

5․ Any other resources approved by the board in a manner that does not violate the laws and instructions.

Article 10

1․ The funds of the organization must be deposited in the current account of the Ministry of Finance in the Saudi Central Bank.

2․ The organization 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 organization and its approved financial regulations.

Article 11

1․ The organization must have an independent annual budget.

2․ The financial year of the organization is the financial year of the state.

Article 12

Without prejudice to the mandate of the General Court of Audit to audit the accounts and operations of the organization, the board shall appoint one or more external account auditors licensed to work in the Kingdom to audit the accounts of the organization, its transactions, its annual budget, and its 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 Court of Audit after it is approved by the board.

Article 13

The employees of the organization are subject to the provisions of the Labor Law and the Social Insurance Law.

Article 14

The organization shall submit to the Prime Minister—within 90 days from the beginning of each financial year—an annual report on its achievements during the past year, the difficulties it has faced, and any proposals it deems necessary to improve the conduct of its work.

Article 15

The organization shall submit its annual final account to the Prime Minister within 90 days from the end of the financial year.

Article 16

The system must be published in the official gazette, and comes into force on the date of its publication.

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5097 issued on 18 July 2025.

Arabic

Issued by Administrative Judicial Council Decision 19/1446/10 dated 29 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1446 [27 May 2025]

1․ Article 17/5 of the Executive Regulation of the Law of Enforcement Before the Board of Grievances is hereby amended to read as follows:

The circuit shall specify, in the travel ban or dealings ban order, a period upon which the ban expires. After the expiry of the period, it may—in accordance with the provisions of the law and the regulation—issue a new ban order.

2․ Article 17/6 of the Executive Regulation of the Law of Enforcement Before the Board of Grievances is hereby repealed.

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5098 issued on 25 July 2025.

Arabic

Issued by Administrative Judicial Council Decision 19/1446/11

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Rules for Reviewing Cases to Annul Decisions Related to the Application of the Provisions of Emergency Orders

The Administrative Judicial Council Decision 19/1446/11th dated 29 Dhu Al-Qa ’dah 1446 [27 May 2025], which includes the approval of the Rules for Reviewing Cases to Annul Decisions Related to the Application of the Provisions of Emergency Orders, is hereby issued in the form attached:

The following rules apply to the lawsuits stipulated in article 24 of the Emergency Law issued by Royal Decree D/89 dated 17 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [18 October 2024]:

1․ The period for completing the deficiencies set out in article 6 of the Law of Pleadings Before the Board of Grievances is two days from the date of informing the applicant.

2․ If the applicant for the registration of the lawsuit fulfills the deficiencies, the lawsuit must be considered registered from the date of its fulfillment.

3․ The lawsuit must be referred immediately upon its registration to the competent circuit.

4․ The period between the notification and the date of the first hearing must not exceed five days.

5․ The circuit shall rule on the lawsuit, if necessary, at the first hearing. In all cases, the lawsuit must be ruled on within a period not exceeding 15 days from the date of its registration.

6․ The date of delivery of a copy of the judgment must not exceed 24 hours after the pronouncement of the judgment.

7․ The time limit for objecting to the judgments is five days from the date of delivery of the copy of the judgment.

8․ The objection to the judgments—by way of appealing or quashing—must be decided within a period not exceeding five days from the date of referring the objection.

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5097 issued on 18 July 2025.

Arabic

Issued by Ministry of Municipalities and Housing Decision 1/4600825389

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Article 1
Definitions

The following terms and phrases, wherever they appear in this regulation, have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

1․ Ministry:
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.

2․ Minister:
The Minister of Municipalities and Housing.

3․ Law:
The Law of Municipalities and Villages.

4․ Secretary/mayor:
The holder of the authority whose scope of supervision includes the guild of craftsmen and vocation practitioners.

5․ Secretariat/municipality:
An agency with a legal personality with financial and administrative independence that exercises the functions entrusted to it under the laws and regulations.

6․ Craft or vocation:
Skilled work that requires expertise and skill, practiced by a craftsman or vocation practitioner after a sufficient period of training, education, and gaining experience.

7․ Members of crafts and professions:
All craftsmen or vocation practitioners (practitioners) of a single activity, or brokers, agents, or merchants who own shops, at their various skill levels, licensed by the secretariats/municipalities.

8․ President of craft and vocation:
A natural person who is elected to preside over the members of the craft or vocation and take care of their interests.

9․ Deputy president of craft and vocation:
A natural person who is elected to conduct the work of the president of the craft or vocation in accordance with the provisions contained in this regulation.

10․ Nomination approval:
A document issued by the ministry that allows the president of the craft or vocation or his deputy to exercise the functions of the presidency for a specified period of time.

11․ Headquarters:
The permanent address of the president of the craft or vocation or his deputy to perform his tasks.

12․ Relevant entities:
All entities that have a relationship with the work of the craft and vocation.

13․ Supervisory committee:
The committee that supervises the elections of presidents of crafts and vocations and their deputies.

14․ Contestation examination committee:
The committee competent to consider the objections of candidates to the procedures or results of the elections.

15․ Guild:
A group of craftsmen or vocation practitioners who are practitioners, brokers, or shop owners.

Article 2

1․ The ministry shall approve and cancel the nomination of presidents of crafts and vocations and their deputies.

2․ The secretariat/municipality has the mandate to oversee and implement the articles and instructions of this regulation.

Article 3
Determining the Names of Guilds

1․ The secretariat/municipality shall determine the names of the guilds after their approval by the ministry periodically in accordance with the availability of the crafts and vocations of the guild within its scope.

2․ The secretariat/municipality shall publish the names of the guilds on its website.

Article 4
Conditions of the Candidate

First

A candidate must meet the following conditions:

1․ That he/she is a Saudi.

2․ That he is not currently an active government officer.

3․ That he is a resident of the city in which the activity is practiced and resides there permanently.

4․ That he has not been previously convicted of a crime against honour or trust unless he has been rehabilitated, provided that he submits a statement to that effect.

5․ That he is an actual practitioner of the craft or vocation nominated for its presidency for a period of not less than five years for the activity/activities described in the commercial activity license in accordance with the National Directory of Economic Activities, provided that he submits a statement to that effect.

6․ That the deputy is an actual practitioner of the activity for a period of not less than two years for the activity/activities described in the commercial activity license in accordance with the National Directory of Economic Activities, provided that he submits a statement to that effect.

7․ That he is able to perform the duties of the vocation or craft.

8․ That he holds a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, as a minimum.

9․ That the age is not less than 30 years and not more than 65 Gregorian years.

10․ That a headquarters is provided for the management of the affairs of crafts and vocations, to carry out the work of the president, as well as determining his working hours.

11․ That he submits an electoral program for the governance and development of the craft and vocation, provided that he complies with its implementation after its approval by the secretariat/municipality.

Second

The secretary/mayor may exempt some candidates from the age and qualification requirement by a reasoned decision.

Article 5
Election and Nomination Mechanism

1․ The secretary shall approve the opening of elections and the nomination of presidents of crafts and vocations and their deputies for the guilds approved in the secretariat/municipality, and shall announce them in the appropriate means, such as local newspapers, markets, the website of the secretariat/municipality, and others.

2․ The supervisory committee shall announce the candidacy, receive applications, verify the eligibility of the candidate and the fulfilment of all the requirements of the candidates for the presidency of the craft and vocation or his deputy, and exclude those who do not meet the conditions.

3․ The nomination period is 15 days, and it may be extended by a decision of the supervisory committee if there are compelling reasons for that.

4․ The method of nomination must be individual and it is not permitted for candidates to agree on electoral lists.

5․ The candidates must be introduced through the secretariat/municipality and under the supervision of the supervisory committee by following the appropriate professional means that are fair to the candidates to reach the voters in a unified manner during the period specified in the election timetable.

6․ The supervisory committee shall publish a list of the names of all candidates, their data, and their biographies on the website of the secretariat/municipality so that voters can view them.

7․ The supervisory committee shall sort and count the votes and approve the winner by a majority of votes. If they are equal, the highest qualified takes precedence, and if this is equal, a draw must be held between them.

8․ If only one candidate comes forward for the position of president or deputy, the election procedures cease, and he must be considered a winner by acclamation.

9․ The names of candidates for the presidents of crafts and vocations and their deputies must be submitted to the ministry for approval.

10․ The secretary/mayor or whoever he authorizes shall approve the minutes and decisions of the supervisory committee and the contestation examination committee.

11․ It is not permitted to repeat the elections except with the approval of the minister and based on the existence of reasons requiring this.

Article 6
Voting Mechanism

1․ Voting must be done through ballot boxes, and it is permitted to use modern technology in the election process as an aid, as determined by the supervisory committee.

2․ The supervisory committee of the secretariat/municipality shall determine the date and place of the voting as decided by it, provided that its date is sufficiently in advance of the date of the end of the term of the presidency (president/deputy president).

3․ A voter has one vote, and in the event that more than one candidate is selected, the vote must be cancelled.

Article 7
Nomination Prohibitions

A candidate is prohibited from doing the following:

1․ Disturbing public order, stirring up discord or any sectarian, tribal, or regional conflict, offending any of the voters or candidates, or violating the relevant laws and instructions.

2․ Using mosques, public facilities, government facilities, educational institutions, charitable associations, sports or cultural clubs, public bodies, public benefit associations, and other public bodies, entities, and institutions and their equivalent for the purposes of the election campaign.

3․ Using government or private television channels from inside or outside the Kingdom.

Article 8
End of Presidency of the President or His Deputy

The presidency of the president or his deputy ends in the following cases:

1․ Medical incapacity and inability to perform duties or death. The secretariat/municipality shall assign the conduct of affairs and duties to the deputy president until a new president for the crafts and vocations is approved.

2․ Medical incapacity and inability of the deputy president to perform duties or death. The secretariat/municipality shall appoint a new deputy president for crafts and vocations.

3․ Submission of resignation, provided that the notification is made within a period of not less than three months from the date of its submission.

4․ When a judicial ruling is issued for conviction in any of the cases that violate honor or trust.

Article 9
Duration of the Term of the Presidency of the President or His Deputy

1․ Four years from the date of approval of the candidate (president/deputy).

2․ The competent secretariat may contact the ministry to extend the term of the presidency for a period of one year, in accordance with the level of performance of the president of the craft and vocation in the performance of his work.

3․ The president of the craft and profession and his deputy may run for successive periods if he meets the conditions for nomination.

Article 10
Mandates of Presidents of Crafts and Vocations or Their Deputies

1․ Representing members of crafts and vocations before all official entities.

2․ Addressing and resolving problems or disputes that may arise between members of crafts and vocations among themselves or with those they deal with.

3․ Field supervision of the practices of members of crafts and vocations in terms of their compliance with the texts regulating the affairs of the craft or vocation.

4․ Deciding on technical problems based on his craft or vocation experience.

5․ Supporting municipalities and relevant entities in controlling markets and dealing with members of crafts and vocations.

6․ Assisting (supporting) members of crafts and vocations and all those affiliated with them in the issuance of licenses.

7․ Organised registration of databases and their continuous updating in order to meet the documentation requirements for the affairs of the craft or vocation and its dealings.

8․ Qualifying and developing members of crafts and vocations in modern methods of practicing the craft or vocation, through specialized training programs and courses.

9․ Directing members of crafts and vocations to the available sources of government and private support, as well as of financing and investment entities, to expand their business.

10․ Informing members of crafts and vocations to adhere to the ethics and morals of the craft or vocation, and to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in force in the Kingdom.

11․ Addressing the competent secretariat/municipality of the violating members of the vocation or craft in order to take the necessary measures against them.

12․ Submitting a quarterly report to the competent secretariat or municipality, and the reports must include the pros and cons and the required support.

13․ Informing the secretariat/municipality and the competent entities of the illegal cases of sale related to the vocation and the craft that take place within the markets and informing the secretariat/municipality and the competent entities of the caught cases.

14․ Providing advice, opinion, and technical support in the field of competence of the craft or vocation to any of the concerned government entities if requested.

15․ The president of crafts and vocations may delegate some of his powers to his deputy, and this must be in accordance with a document approved by the competent secretariat/municipality.

Article 11
Election Supervisory Committee

1․ The election supervisory committee must be formed by a decision by the secretary, consisting of three or more members, in addition to a member from the relevant entities and the entity supervising the activity. Its decisions must be issued by majority and must be reasoned. The secretary shall issue the work rules of the committee.

2․ The members of the committee must be competent and experienced in the field of the work of the committee, and its chairmanship must be from representatives of the municipal agency.

3․ The committee is legally affiliated with the secretary/mayor or whoever he authorizes, and the chairman of the committee has the right—if the need arises—to form a support working team—under his supervision—not exceeding three officers.

4․ None of the members of the committee shall participate in supervising or attending the sessions of the committee if he has a kinship with the candidate, and he shall disclose in the event of a conflict of interest.

5․ Minutes must be drawn up for each meeting, including the names and signatures of the participating members and the measures and decisions taken.

6․ The chairman of the committee shall manage the work of the session, and the decisions must be signed by all participating members and approved by the secretary/mayor or whoever he authorizes.

7․ The committee shall keep copies of the decisions, minutes, and everything related to its work for easy access when needed.

8․ The committee has the right to request or view any document it deems important to complete its work.

9․ The committee has the right to submit to the secretary/mayor or whoever he authorizes and take the necessary measures to refer to the competent entities in the event that it is proven that incorrect or forged data has been submitted.

Article 12
Committee for Deciding on Electoral Contestations and Violations

1․ The committee for examining electoral contestations and violations must be formed by a decision by the secretary, provided that it consists of not less than three of those with competence and expertise. Its chairman must be a legal or Sharia specialist. Its decisions must be issued by majority, and its decisions must be reasoned. The secretary shall issue its work rules.

2․ The committee shall receive complaints and decide on contestations by considering the objections of candidates to the procedures or results of the elections and decide on the objections.

3․ Each candidate may contest the final election results before the contestation examination committee by submitting a written objection request within a maximum period of five working days from the date of announcing the results.

4․ The contestation committee shall consider and decide on contestations within 30 working days from the date of receipt of the application.

5․ The committee is legally affiliated with the secretary/mayor or whoever he authorizes, and the chairman of the committee has the right—if the need arises—to form a support working team not exceeding three employees under the supervision and oversight of the chairman.

6․ None of the members of the committee shall participate in the consideration of the contestation or attend its sessions if he has an interest or a kinship with the candidate to the fourth degree.

7․ The committee shall verify the contestation applications submitted by any of the recognised means of proof, consider the validity of the contestation, and ensure the integrity of the procedures or results of the elections, and it has the right to return the applications to their source in the event of a significant lack of data.

8․ The chairman of the committee shall manage the work of the session and take the signatures of the participating members. If a member adopts a different point of view, it must be attached to the decision and approved by the secretary/mayor or whoever he authorizes.

9․ The committee shall keep copies of the necessary decisions, minutes, and documents for reference when needed.

10․ The committee has the right to request or view any document the committee deems important to complete its work.

11․ The committee may address any other party and request a report on any documents, information, or data related to the application presented before it, and summon whoever it deems necessary to complete its work.

12․ The committee has the right to submit to the secretary/mayor or whoever he authorizes to contact the competent entities in the event that it is proven that incorrect or forged data has been submitted.

13․ The applicant must be informed of the decision of the committee after it is issued and approved by the secretary/mayor or whoever he authorises.

14․ The applicant may file a grievance before the administrative courts within 60 days from the date of being notified of the decision.

Article 13
General Provisions

1․ This regulation comes into force after the lapse of 90 days from the date of its publication in the official gazette.

2․ This regulation repeals all relevant decisions and instructions in conflict with it.

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5096 issued on 11 July 2025.

Arabic

Issued by King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority Decision 000829-25-001

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Article 1

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 Visiting the Saman and Dahna Zones.

Reserve:
The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Authority:
The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

Chief executive officer:
The chief executive officer of the authority.

Saman zone:
Part of the Saman area inside the scope of the reserve pursuant to Royal Order 42753 dated 28 Rajab 1442 [28 January 2021], with an area of 12,436 km2 in accordance with the map attached to the controls.

Dahna zone:
Part of Dahna area inside the scope of the reserve, with an area of 7,470 km2 in accordance with the map attached to the controls.

Permit:
A document granted by the authority to a person before visiting or traveling inside Saman zone or Dahna zone.

Permittee:
Any person who engages in activities with another person for the purpose of leisure, tourism, recreation, or otherwise inside the Saman zone or Dahna zone.

Zone:
Saman zone or Dahna zone—in accordance with the permit—issued by the authority to the permittee.

Article 2

These controls aim to regulate visiting and traveling within the geographical scope of the reserve in a manner that contributes to the preservation of the natural and plant environment and wildlife based on the Organizational Arrangements of the Royal Reserves Council and the Royal Reserves Development Authorities issued by Council of Ministers Decision 437 dated 1 Rajab 1441 [25 February 2020] and the Environment Law issued by Royal Decree D/165 dated 19 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1441 [26 June 2020].

Article 3

The scope of application of these controls is exclusive to the zone, and the authority may specify other zones for which they apply.

Article 4

It is permitted to visit and travel inside the zone from six o’clock in the morning until six o’clock in the evening, provided that entry to the zone is registered on the website of the authority. It is prohibited to visit or travel during or outside these times without obtaining a permit from the authority, except for inhabitants of the administrative centers located inside the zone registered with the authority, provided that the following conditions are complied with:

1․ Refraining from intentionally harming the nature of the zone, the wildlife and its associated animals or plants, or its aesthetic value.

2․ Maintaining the general cleanliness of the zone, and refraining from leaving waste of any kind, burying it, burning it, throwing it in places other than those designated for it, or taking it outside the zone.

3․ Following the safety and security procedures when traveling, and refraining from trampling vegetation or exposing the zone to pollution.

4․ Vehicle transportation inside the zone must be restricted to following previously established routes.

5․ Refraining from carrying out any works related to logging, firewood collection and transportation, hunting, or damaging any of the resources of the zone.

6․ Complying with not feeding animals or making noise that disturbs visitors or wildlife.

7․ Avoiding the use of vehicle horns inside the area except when necessary and to the minimum extent.

8․ Complying with the provisions of these controls and laws, decisions, and instructions issued in this regard related to it.

Article 5

The authority shall grant a permit for visiting or traveling inside the zone outside the specified time stipulated in article 4 of these controls on the website of the authority, with the approval of the chief executive officer—or his representative—in accordance with the following mechanism:

1․ Submitting the permit application two working days prior to the date of visiting or traveling inside the zone, provided that the permit applicant attaches the following requirements:

(a) A copy of a valid national identity/residency card.

(b) Date and time of the requested period.

(c) Mobile number, email, and national address.

(d) Vehicle details, as well as attaching a copy of the driver’s license.

(e) Coordinates of the location to be visited.

2․ The authority shall review the application and respond with approval/rejection within two working days from the date of receipt of the application and shall notify the permit applicant.

Article 6

Any of the following practices are considered a violation of the provisions of these controls:

1․ Providing incorrect information.

2․ Driving over vegetation by vehicles or creating new routes.

3․ Lighting fire in places other than those designated for it, such as a brazier (manqal) and the like.

4․ Camping of all kinds (canopies fixed to the ground, tents, caravans, and privacy screens (ruwaq)).

5․ Any form of harm to wildlife.

6․ Cutting, moving, or tampering with trees and plants.

7․ Refraining from collecting natural resources, such as flowers, rocks, and others.

8․ Refraining from entering with vehicles into meadows.

9․ Refraining from entering with motorcycles.

10․ Refraining from using local firewood and charcoal.

11․ Refraining from entering during unauthorized times, or entering without registering on the website of the authority during the authorized times.

12․ Any other practices that violate the relevant laws, regulations, and instructions.

Article 7

1․ The visitor shall leave the zone at the end of the authorized visiting period.

2․ The authority may seek recourse against the visitor to pay compensation in the event of damage, pollution, or environmental deterioration.

Article 8

The environmental inspector shall police violations in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant entities in accordance with the legal procedures for that.

Article 9

The authority shall review and update these controls periodically—when needed—with the approval of the chief executive officer and the notification of the board of directors of the authority.

Article 10

These controls apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the official gazette.

Map

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5095 issued on 4 July 2025.