Categories
Ministerial Decision

Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers: Decision 582 Amending the Rules Governing the Provision of Real Estate Valuation Services to Financing Entities

Arabic

The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers,

based on the powers granted to him by law,

after perusal of Administrative Decision 525 dated 15 Muharram 1446, corresponding to 21 July 2024,

approving the Rules Governing the Provision of Real Estate Valuation Services to Financing Entities,

and perusal of article 8(11) and article 7(17) of the Regulation on the Powers of the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers issued by the board of directors of the authority Decision 3/B/23 dated 6 Muharram 1445 [24 July 2023], which includes the power of the chief executive officer of the authority to issue decisions and rules related to the profession and to restrict the provision of valuation services to platforms approved by the authority subject to its direct supervision and control,

and in pursuance of public interest,

hereby decides

First

As an exception to the effective date of the Rules Governing the Provision of Real Estate Valuation Services to Financing Entities stipulated in clause Second of Administrative Decision 525 dated 15 Muharram 1446 [21 July 2024], the provisions of article 6, article 13(1), article 14(3), and article 27(2) of the amended rules pursuant to clause Second of this decision hereby enter into force as of the date of completion of the stages of the official launch of the Qaim electronic platform, as determined by the competent department, and it must be published on the official website of the authority.

Second

The Rules Governing the Provision of Real Estate Valuation Services to Financing Entities are hereby amended as follows:

1․ A new paragraph numbered 8 is added to article 13 with the following text:

The confidentiality provisions contained in the Law on the Oversight of Banks and the Law on the Oversight of Financing Companies must be adhered to, the relevant instructions of the Saudi Central Bank must be compiled with, and the privacy of clients and personal and credit information and data must be protected, in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Data Protection Law, the related laws, and the relevant instructions and controls.

The order of the paragraphs is amended accordingly.

2․ The title of chapter 4 is amended to have the following text: “Qaim platform Requirements”, and article 14 is amended as follows:

The Qaim platform requires the following to provide real estate valuation services:

1․ Providing the documents and information necessary to carry out real estate valuation operations upon each valuation request through the Qaim platform.

2․ Obtaining the approval of the owner of the real estate subject to the valuation or whoever has a legal interest in it to carry out the real estate valuation service.

3․ All real estate valuation requests must be submitted and followed up on via the Qaim platform, and no other means must be used. The procedures stipulated in the rules must be followed in regard to it, without prejudice to the cases stipulated in article 30 of the rules.

4․ Responding to the comments received from the accredited valuer on the Qaim platform within a maximum period of five days from the date of submitting the comments, in a manner that enables the accredited valuer to complete his work.

5․ Reviewing the valuation reports within a period not exceeding ten days from the date the accredited valuer submits the report on the Qaim platform, and the report must be prepared after the expiry of the period without any final objection.

3․ Article 17 is amended as follows:

Without prejudice to the longer periods agreed upon by the financing entity and the valuation establishment to meet the professional requirements, the minimum time periods for fulfilling real estate valuation requests by valuation establishments via the Qaim platform must be as follows:

Asset type Asset location Area less than 1,000 m* Area from 1,000 m to less than 5,000 m Area from 5,000 m and above*
Empty land Within major cities One working day and after 24 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the second working day from the day the request is assigned. Two working days and after 48 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the third working day from the day the request is assigned. Three working days and after 72 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the fourth working day from the day the request is assigned.
Empty land Outside major cities Two working days and after 48 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the third working day from the day the request is assigned. Three working days and after 72 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the fourth working day from the day the request is assigned. Four working days and after 96 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the fifth working day from the day the request is assigned.
Apartment/duplex/building/villa and the like* Within major cities One working day and after 24 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the second working day from the day the request is assigned. Two working days and after 48 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the third working day from the day the request is assigned. Three working days and after 72 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the fourth working day from the day the request is assigned.
Apartment/duplex/building/villa and the like* Outside major cities Two working days and after 48 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the third working day from the day the request is assigned. Three working days and after 72 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the fourth working day from the day the request is assigned. Four working days and after 96 hours of assigning the valuation request to the valuer, so that the request is completed on the fifth working day from the day the request is assigned.

*The area of the real estate is calculated in accordance with the land area plus the building surface area.

4‏. Article 23 is amended as follows:

The valuation report submitted by the accredited valuer may be rejected—via the Qaim platform—in the following cases:

1 ‏. Failure to submit the valuation report within one working day of the expiry of the period specified for depositing it in the Qaim platform.

2․ If the valuation request received from the financing entity includes the preparation of more than two reports for the real estate asset, and the difference in value between the report and the other reports prepared in the same request exceeds 15%.

3․ The accredited valuer does not respond to the comments of the financing entity on the report within one working day from the date of submission via the Qaim platform.

5․ The order of article 27 is amended to be article 28, and its text is amended as follows:

If the accredited valuer is removed in accordance with articles 26 and 27 of the rules, then he does not have the right to submit an application to be reinstated on the list except after one year has passed from the date of his removal. The same conditions and procedures stipulated in chapter 2 of the rules must be followed in the application.

The numbering of the above-mentioned articles is amended accordingly.

6 ‏. Article 27(1) is amended as follows:

Issuance of more than two decisions by the committee for considering violations by the accredited valuer for violations of the provisions of the law during a year, or issuance of a final decision with the punishment of suspension—irrespective of its duration‏—or with a fine exceeding half of its maximum limit during a year.

7‏. A new article numbered 29 is added as follows:

The authority, in coordination with the Saudi Central Bank, shall take the necessary measures it deems appropriate to ensure that the services and works of the financing entities and the valuation establishments included in the list are not affected by any interruption, disruption, or similar emergency circumstances that affect the business continuity of the platform and the regularity of its works, including the power to exempt from some provisions of these rules and their effective dates, provided that the exemption ends with the end of those emergency circumstances.

8․ The articles are reordered in accordance with the provisions of this clause.

Third

This decision must be published in the official gazette, comes into force from the date of its publication, and repeals any decisions that conflict with it.

Chief Executive Officer 
On behalf of Faisal bin Bader Al-Mandeel
Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Mutlaq

Issued on: 12 Sha’ban 1446
Corresponding to: 11 February 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5072 issued on 21 February 2025.

Categories
Royal Decree

Royal Decree D/169 Amending the Law of the Profession of Accounting and Auditing

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty,

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud,

the 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 the Law of the Profession of Accounting and Auditing issued by Royal Decree D/59 dated 27 Rajab 1442 [11 March 2021],

after perusal of Shura Council Decision 105/10 dated 17 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [19 November 2024],

and after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 571 dated 5 Sha’ban 1446 [4 February 2025],

have decreed as follows

First

The Law of the Profession of Accounting and Auditing issued by Royal Decree D/59 dated 27 Rajab 1442 [11 March 2021] is hereby amended as follows:

1‏. The definition of “ministry” provided in article 1 is deleted.

2․ The definition of “license” provided in article 1 is amended to read as follows:

License: A document issued by the authority, allowing those who have been issued a license to practice the profession in accordance with the conditions and controls specified in the law and regulation.

3․ Article 4 is amended to read as follows:

1․ ‏The license application must be submitted to the authority in accordance with the procedures specified by the board.

2‏. The authority shall issue its decision to approve the granting of the license, or to reject the license application with reasons, within a period specified by the regulation. The license applicant may file a grievance against the rejection decision before the Administrative Court.

3․ ‏The regulation must specify the procedures for reviewing and deciding on the license application, its duration, and the conditions for its renewal.

4․ ‏The board shall determine the fee for the license.

4‏. Article 5 is amended to read as follows:

Without prejudice to the punishments stipulated in article 10 of the law, the authority may issue a decision to cancel the license. A person for whom a license cancellation decision is issued may file a grievance against it before the Administrative Court. The cancellation of the license does not result in the cancellation of his membership in the authority.

5․ Article 19 is amended to read as follows:

A chartered accountant whose license has been struck off in accordance with the provisions of the law may apply for reinstatement of the license after five years from the date of the striking-off decision. The board or whoever it authorizes shall decide on the application. The same conditions and procedures prescribed for issuing the license must be followed in reinstatement of the license.

6‏. Article 20 is amended to read as follows:

Without prejudice to the mandates of the relevant entities, employees of the authority—who are appointed by a decision by the board—shall police the crimes stipulated in article 10 of the law, and any violations of the provisions of the law, its regulation, and the decisions issued for their implementation.

Second

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority is hereby granted the power to set the specific standards and conditions that must be met by licensees before dealing with them to provide zakat and tax services on behalf of taxpayers. The authority shall raise any matters requiring a legal procedure in this regard.

Third

His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, the ministers, and the heads of independent concerned authorities—each within their area of competence—shall implement this decree of Ours.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 10 Sha’ban 1446
Corresponding to: 9 February 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5072 issued on 21 February 2025.

Categories
Ministerial Decision

Ministry of Investment: Decision 1086 Approving the Executive Regulation of the Investment Law

Arabic

The Minister of Investment,

based on the powers entrusted to him by law,

based on article 15 of the Investment Law issued by Royal Decree D/19 dated 16 Muharram 1446 [22 July 2024],

after coordinating with the Ministry of Energy in drafting the provisions related to article 6 and article 7(3) and (4) of the Investment Law,

and pursuant to clause Fourth of Royal Decree D/19 dated 16 Muharram 1446 [22 July 2024] approving the Investment Law,

and in pursuance of the interest of work,

hereby decides

First

The Executive Regulation of the Investment Law is hereby approved in the form attached.

Second

This decision must be published in the official gazette, and comes into force from the date of entry into force of the law.

May Allah provide success.

Minister of Investment
Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih

Issued on: 8 Sha’ban 1446
Corresponding to: 7 February 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5083 issued on 25 April 2025.

Categories
Laws and Regulations

The Executive Regulation of the Investment Law

Arabic

Issued by Ministry of Investment Decision 1086

Chapter 1
General Provisions

Article 1
Definitions

1․ The same meanings assigned in the law for the terms and phrases stipulated in article 1 of it apply to the regulation wherever they appear.

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

(a) Law:
The Investment Law issued by Royal Decree D/19 dated 16 Muharram 1446 [22 July 2024].

(b) Ministry:
The Ministry of Investment.

(c) Regulation:
The executive regulation of the law.

(d) Comprehensive service center:
A center that includes liaison offices comprising representatives from government entities related to investment, and it provides its services to investors.

(e) Committee:
The committee for considering violations and imposing punishments stipulated in the law.

(f) Prohibited activities:
Activities in which a foreign investor is prohibited from investing—as a general rule—in accordance with the list issued by the screening committee.

(g) Restricted activities:
Activities that a foreign investor is allowed to practice in the Kingdom upon fulfilling the conditions and requirements related to practicing the activity.

(h) Screening committee:
The Standing Ministerial Committee for the Screening of Foreign Investments formed by virtue of Council of Ministers Decision 83 dated 30 Muharram 1443 [8 September 2021].

(i) Investor guide:
A guide issued by the ministry that includes the rules, procedures, and instructions related to the application of the law and the regulation, as well as the services provided by the ministry.

(j) Violation policing procedures:
The procedures governing the work of violation policing officers.

Article 2
Capital

The following assets—without limitation—are considered capital of value for the purposes of applying the law and its regulation:

(a) Cash and its equivalent, shares, stocks, and other forms of contribution to the capital of companies.

(b) Contractual rights, including construction contracts, concessions, and contracts where the consideration is—primarily—linked to the production rates, profits, or revenues of an establishment, as well as the right arising from contracts for the delivery or receipt of property or the execution of works of value under contractual agreements.

(c) Immovable and movable assets, and any other ownership rights related to them, including real estate mortgages.

(d) Intellectual property rights in accordance with the relevant laws in the Kingdom, including patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Chapter 2
Investor Rights

Article 3
Equal Treatment Between Local and Foreign Investors

1․ Without prejudice to the provisions of related laws and international agreements to which the Kingdom is a party, an investor enjoys equal treatment with other investors, and equal treatment between local and foreign investors, in similar circumstances.

2․ For the purposes of paragraph 1 of this article, the following factors must be taken into account to determine if the circumstances of investors are similar:

(a) Goods or services produced or consumed by an investor as part of his production inputs.

(b) The relevant sector.

(c) The volume of investment.

(d) The impact of the investment on the local economy or the environment.

3․ The provisions of paragraph 1 of this article do not prejudice the right of the ministry to regulate in accordance with local laws and regulations as required by the public interest, including, but not limited to, the protection of national security, public safety, and public order.

Article 4
Fair and Equitable Treatment

The following cases—without limitation—are considered a violation of the obligation to provide fair and equitable treatment:

1․ Denial of justice in criminal, civil, commercial, or administrative procedures.

2․ Material breach of due legal process, including a fundamental breach of the transparency of judicial and administrative procedures.

3․ Any apparent arbitrariness, and arbitrary treatment such as harassment and coercion.

4․ Unjustified targeted discrimination based on apparent illegitimate grounds.

Article 5
Indirect Expropriation

1․ A measure or series of measures is considered indirect expropriation if it has an effect equivalent to direct expropriation, such that it leads to the deprivation of the fundamental ownership rights of an investor in his investment without the formal transfer of ownership or direct expropriation.

The following factors must be taken into account to verify the occurrence of indirect expropriation:

(a) The economic impact of a measure or series of measures. It is not permitted to rely only on the negative impact on the economic value of an investment when determining if expropriation has occurred.

(b) The duration of the negative impact of the measure or series of measures.

(c) The nature and objective of the measure or series of measures.

2․ Non-discriminatory regulatory measures applied to protect legitimate public interests—including measures relating to public health, safety, and the environment—are not deemed indirect expropriation.

Article 6
Free Transfer of Funds

1․ Without prejudice to any applicable laws, regulations, and instructions, an investor has the right to freely transfer funds related to his investments to and from the Kingdom without delay, and these transfers include, but are not limited to:

(a) Initial capital and additional amounts for maintaining or increasing the volume of investments.

(b) All profits, capital gains, dividends, royalties, fees, and other current income and revenues.

(c) Payments made under a contract, including installments of loans related to the investments.

(d) Revenues generated from the liquidation or sale of the investment, in whole or in part.

(e) Earnings and salaries of employees engaged from abroad who perform works related to the investments.

2․ Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this article, it is permitted to delay or refuse the transfer in the implementation of applicable equitable and non-discriminatory legislation and in good faith, which relate to the following:

(a) Cases of bankruptcy, insolvency, or protection of the rights of creditors.

(b) Issuing, trading, or dealing in securities.

(c) Criminal offenses or penalties.

(d) Complying with orders or judgments issued in lawsuits.

3․ The provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 do not apply to measures taken by the competent entities regarding financial services for reasonable and justified reasons, including measures to protect investors, depositors, insurance policyholders, or creditors of a commercial establishment providing financial services, or to ensure the stability and integrity of the financial system.

Chapter 3
Statistical Data and Information

Article 7
Providing Statistical Information and Data

1․ An investor has the right to request available information and statistical data from the ministry through its electronic website, unless the statistical information or data cannot be shared for reasons related to the application of the laws and decisions in force in the Kingdom.

2․ The ministry shall provide an investor with the statistical information or data available to it within a period not exceeding 30 working days from the date of submitting the request.

3․ The ministry may publish this statistical information and data in line with its objectives.

Chapter 4
Investment Incentives

Article 8
Eligibility Criteria for Investment Incentives

1․ The competent entity shall—in coordination with the relevant entities—grant investment incentives according to the classification it adopts for this purpose and in accordance with its laws, taking into account that the eligibility criteria for the incentives must be consistent with the objectives of the Investment Law and the rights granted to the investor by virtue of it.

2․ The competent entity shall publish the eligibility criteria for the incentives in the channels it designates for this purpose, in a manner that ensures easy access to them for the investor.

Chapter 5
National Register of Investors

Article 9
Establishing the National Register of Investors

1․ The ministry shall establish a comprehensive national register of information and data related to investments of investors, and shall supervise its management and development in order to achieve its purpose.

2․ The competent entity shall provide the ministry with any data or information for the purpose of completing or updating the register, and this includes the integration of digital platforms with the competent entity.

3․ The ministry may, in cooperation with the competent entity, hold periodic meetings for the purpose of establishing, updating, and developing the operations of the national register of investors and ensuring the achievement of its benefits, and for this purpose, it may sign joint agreements and enable dedicated work teams for this.

4․ The ministry may require the provision of its services, or part of them, to an investor based on the updating of his data in the register, and the investor guide must clarify the mechanism for this.

Article 10
Protection and Utilization of Information

1․ The ministry shall ensure the protection and guarantee the security and confidentiality of the information and data available in the national register of investors by establishing appropriate and effective procedures for this purpose.

2․ The ministry and the competent entity may utilize the information and data available in the register as a source for studies and research aimed at developing the investment environment.

Chapter 6
Registration

Article 11
Registration Application

1․ If an applicant is a natural person, he shall submit the following data upon registration:

(a) Applicant name.

(b) Applicant place of residence and nationality.

(c) Economic activity that he will practice.

(d) Capital.

(e) Amount of the expected contribution to the registered capital of the investment subject of the application.

(f) Any other information and documents specified by the ministry in the investor guide.

2․ If an applicant is a legal person, it shall submit the following data upon registration:

(a) Establishment name, place of incorporation, and place of residence if different from place of incorporation.

(b) Scope of business of the applicant and the investment activity, including the economic activities that it will practice.

(c) Registered capital.

(d) Amount of the contribution to the registered capital of the investment subject of the application.

(e) Details of the owner, shareholders, or those who control the foreign investor and the beneficial owner of the foreign investor, as the case may be.

(f) Any other information and documents specified by the ministry in the investor guide.

3․ The registration applicant shall acknowledge the undertakings prepared by the ministry, which include an undertaking of the accuracy of all information and documents he submits, and this is considered a prerequisite for the acceptance of the application.

4․ The ministry may request any additional information or documents it deems necessary in the event that it determines that the information stipulated in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article to be insufficient or incorrect.

Article 12
Notice of Registration

1․ The ministry shall notify a registration applicant of the available activities within a maximum period of ten working days from the date of his fulfillment of all registration requirements.

2․ The ministry shall notify a registration applicant in the event that the registration application is incomplete or if he is required to provide additional information. The applicant shall provide the necessary information within a period specified by the ministry, which must not be less than 15 working days. The registration application is considered cancelled after the expiry of the mentioned period without the submission of the information or documents mentioned in the notification of the ministry.

Article 13
Annual Update

1․ A registered investor shall submit an annual update to the ministry regarding the undertakings acknowledged upon registration, and any new undertakings approved by the ministry. This includes any changes, information, or data recorded in the national register of investors. The ministry shall notify the registered investor of the outcome of the submitted update within five working days of its submission.

2․ A registered investor may submit an annual update within the 60 working days preceding the date of the annual update.

3․ The ministry shall notify an investor registered with it 30 working days prior to the date of the annual update date of the need to submit it.

4․ The ministry shall notify an investor registered with it upon the date of the annual update by giving him a grace period not exceeding 30 working days to submit the update.

5․ An investor registered with the ministry may apply to reactivate his registration within a period not exceeding three years from the end of the grace period referred to in paragraph 4 of this article.

6․ An investor registered with the ministry shall reregister himself in accordance with the procedures specified in the investor guide if he exceeds the period specified in paragraph 5 of this article.

Article 14
Deregistration

1․ An investor registered with the ministry may apply for deregistration based on his desire, provided that he submits all the documents and information specified by the ministry in the investor guide.

2․ The ministry shall notify the investor registered with it if it becomes apparent that the application is incomplete or has not been submitted in accordance with the mechanism adopted in the investor guide. The investor shall rectify the deficiencies within 15 working days from the notification, otherwise the application is considered cancelled.

3․ The ministry shall deregister an investor registered with it in the following cases:

(a) Termination of all registered investments by virtue of a final decision or a final court judgment, in accordance with the laws in force in the Kingdom.

(b) Issuance of a decision to suspend a foreign investment for reasons relating to the protection of national security in accordance with chapter 9 of the regulation.

(c) Issuance of a decision that includes a deregistration punishment by the committee.

4․ The ministry shall notify an investor registered with it of the deregistration decision within five working days from the date of receiving the complete deregistration application or from the date it carries out deregistration, according to paragraph 3 of this article.

5․ A deregistered investor is prohibited from practicing any investment activities in the Kingdom after the issuance of the deregistration decision, unless he submits a new registration application to the ministry in accordance with the procedures stipulated in the regulation.

6․ The deregistration stipulated in this article is not deemed to forfeit the rights claimed by a third party.

Chapter 7
Excluded Activities

Article 15
List of Excluded Activities

The screening committee shall issue a list of excluded activities, specifying the prohibited or restricted activities and any updates to them, and the ministry shall publish this list in the investor guide.

Article 16
Application for Approval to Invest in Excluded Activities

1․ A foreign investor wishing to practice an excluded activity shall submit an approval application to the ministry, which shall refer it to the screening committee. The ministry and the screening committee shall establish the appropriate procedures for registering this application, and shall publish them in the investor guide.

2․ The screening committee may request—through the ministry—any additional information or documents it deems necessary to decide on the approval application submitted under this article.

Article 17
Notification of Receipt of Application

1․ The ministry shall notify a foreign investor through the means adopted by it upon receipt of the application for approval to practice an excluded activity.

2․ The ministry shall notify a foreign investor in the event of an incomplete application for approval to invest in excluded activities or when it is not submitted in accordance with the approved procedures. The foreign investor shall rectify the deficiencies within a period not exceeding 15 working days from the notification, otherwise the application is considered cancelled.

Article 18
Notifying a Foreign Investor of the Decision of the Screening Committee

The ministry shall notify a foreign investor of the decision of the screening committee on the practice of an excluded activity within five working days from the date of receiving the decision.

Article 19
Conditions for Resubmission of the Application

A foreign investor may, in the event that his application to invest in excluded activities is rejected, resubmit his application, provided that it includes the following:

(a) Reference number of the first application.

(b) Any information or documents that have not been previously submitted that require reconsideration of the application.

Article 20
Changes to Restricted Activities

1․ A foreign investor shall submit an application to the ministry for approval of any change in the ownership of his investment in a restricted activity, and shall comply with the specified procedures for submitting the change application stipulated in the investor guide.

2․ The screening committee shall review the submitted change application—after it is referred to it from the ministry—in accordance with its established procedures. The provisions stipulated in articles 15 to 18 of this chapter apply to the submitted application.

Chapter 8
Comprehensive Service Center

Article 21
Objectives of the Comprehensive Service Center

1․ The comprehensive service center of the ministry shall facilitate communication between an investor and the ministry regarding procedures related to the implementation of the regulation, including the following:

(a) Registering, updating, and deregistering.

(b) Submitting an approval application for investment in excluded activities.

(c) Applications to obtain information or documents, and any communication related to the procedures taken in accordance with the regulation.

2․ The comprehensive service center, in coordination with the competent entity, shall facilitate for an investor to obtain the necessary legal approvals to practice the activities in accordance with the laws in force. The investor guide shall specify any services provided by the center regarding these approvals, taking into account the mandates granted to the competent entity.

Chapter 9
Protection of National Security

Article 22
Procedures for Suspending Foreign Investments

1․ The ministry may coordinate with the competent entity—including the screening committee regarding foreign investments that threaten national security—before commencing the procedures mentioned in this chapter, during those procedures, and after their completion.

2․ The ministry may request any information or documents that it deems—as determined by it—to be important for examining the impact of foreign investment on the national security of the Kingdom. The ministry shall set the necessary measures to maintain the security and confidentiality of the information or documents submitted to it.

3․ The ministry may hold discussions with a foreign investor before the issuance of a suspension decision to evaluate alternative measures if it finds—as determined by it—that such measures are sufficient to avert risks that threaten national security.

Article 23
Notifying a Foreign Investor of a Suspension Decision

The ministry shall notify a foreign investor of the suspension decision, and he may file a grievance against it according to the laws in force in the Kingdom.

Chapter 10
Addressing Investor Complaints

Article 24
Receiving Complaints

1․ The ministry shall establish a system for receiving investor complaints, and its mechanism must be determined in coordination with the competent entity, regarding complaints about decisions and measures that affect his investment activities, including:

(a) Measures taken or decisions issued in violation of investor rights specified in the relevant laws in force in the Kingdom, or specified in international investment agreements or contracts signed between the investor and any other party.

(b) Challenges of an illegal nature facing the investor.

2․ An investor complaint submitted to the ministry is not considered a judicial procedure and does not affect the right of an investor to commence a lawsuit before the judicial entities or competent committees, or to resort to one of the agreed-upon alternative dispute resolution methods.

3․ The ministry shall seek to address complaints in full transparency with the investor and without discrimination.

Article 25
Complaints Procedure

1․ An investor shall submit his complaint to the ministry, accompanied by all relevant documents and information related to the subject matter of the complaint, including the following:

(a) Summary of the facts and events relevant to the complaint.

(b) Information about the investment project relevant to the complaint.

(c) Grounds supporting his complaint and its legal basis.

(d) Identifying the parties to the complaint.

(e) Statement of the measures taken by the investor to resolve the complaint.

(f) Estimated value of the damage sustained.

(g) Proposed solution to deal with the subject matter of the complaint.

(h) Any other information or documents requested by the ministry.

2․ The ministry shall notify an investor within ten working days from the date of receiving the complaint of its acceptance or rejection. The ministry shall undertake the procedures for considering the complaint if accepted.

3․ The ministry shall—in order to consider and address investor complaints—undertake the following:

(a) Obtaining clarification from the investor about the facts relevant to the complaint.

(b) Coordinating with the relevant competent entities.

(c) Studying the challenges facing the investor and exerting the necessary efforts to address them.

(d) Submitting recommendations and proposals in line with investor rights provided in the laws in force in the Kingdom and the international agreements to which the Kingdom is a party.

Article 26
Decisions Regarding Complaints

1․ The ministry shall submit its recommendations regarding a complaint to the parties to the complaint within 30 working days from the date of accepting the complaint, and shall inform the investor of this.

2․ The ministry shall notify an investor of the decision issued in regard to the complaint and its result.

Chapter 11
Violations

Article 27
Detecting and Policing Violations

1․ The minister or whoever he authorises shall—for the purpose of implementing violation policing procedures—issue a decision naming whoever he deems appropriate to carry out policing works in accordance with a guide issued by the ministry for this purpose.

2․ The ministry has the authority to police violations of the provisions mentioned in the law and the regulation, and it shall coordinate with the competent entity, according to the laws in force in the Kingdom, on the mechanism for verifying the occurrence of these violations. This authority includes:

(a) Obtaining records, documents, information, or any other requirements specified by the enforcement officer relating to the violation.

(b) Analyzing reports and data issued by an investor.

(c) Monitoring complaints from individuals and relevant entities.

(d) Procedures for verifying contracts and transactions with suppliers and customers.

(e) Communicating with the competent entity licensing the investor to provide data according to the nature of the investment activities he practices.

3․ An enforcement officer shall draw up a report on the violation detected and refer the violation to the committee.

Article 28
Removal of Non-Grievous Violation

A violator shall remove a non-grievous violation within the period specified by the ministry, provided that this period is not less than 30 working days from the date of being notified to remove the violation. The violator may submit a request to extend the period, along with clarifying the reasons requiring the extension, and the ministry may accept or reject the extension request.

Article 29
Non-Grievous Violations

The ministry shall prepare and publish a list of non-grievous violations in the investor guide.

Article 30
Grievous Violations

Practicing any of the following is deemed a grievous violation of the provisions of the law and the regulation:

(a) Practicing an investment without registering it.

(b) Practicing an investment for excluded activities without obtaining approval, after their expiry or cancellation, or in violation of the conditions relating to their practice.

(c) Changing ownership of restricted activities without obtaining prior approval.

(d) An investor provides misleading or false information to the ministry or the competent entity.

(e) An investor preventing or obstructing an enforcement officer from carrying out his mandate under the regulation.

Article 31
Formation of the Committee

1․ The minister shall issue a decision specifying the names of the committee members, its chairman, and their remuneration. The minister may also appoint a secretary for the committee—who reports to its chairman—and the term of membership in the committee must be three years, renewable once by a decision of the minister.

2․ The following conditions must be met for those nominated as members of the committee:

(a) They must not have spent two consecutive terms in the membership of the committee or part of it without interruption for a full term.

(b) They must be of good conduct and behavior and must not have been previously convicted—by a final judgment—of a hadd sentence or a crime prejudicing honor and integrity, unless they have been rehabilitated.

Article 32
Work of the Committee

1․ The committee shall hold its sessions at its designated headquarters in the ministry, and it may hold its sessions elsewhere when necessary. It may also hold sessions and make decisions through electronic means.

2․ Sessions must be confidential except if approved otherwise by the committee with prior notification to its secretariat.

3․ A session is not convened except with the attendance of a majority of its members, provided that the chairman of the committee or his deputy is among them.

4․ The committee shall hold its sessions whenever necessary to consider the violations registered with it or as determined by the chairman of the committee.

5․ The proceedings and decisions of the session must be recorded in minutes prepared for this purpose, which must include the date and time of convening the session and the attendees.

6․ The committee may—at its discretion—summon any of the parties involved in the violation to appear before it.

7․ It is permitted to submit memorandums and documents through the electronic means specified by the committee.

8․ The chairman of the committee or his delegate may address whomever they deem appropriate regarding the violations presented to the committee and request the necessary documents or clarifications regarding them. The confidentiality of the submitted documents must be maintained.

9․ A member of the committee shall not participate in the consideration of the violation or the complaint before the committee if he has an interest of any kind, an existing dispute with the violator, or one of the parties to the complaint. In this case, the member shall inform the committee of the case of conflict of interest to exclude him from participating in its consideration.

Article 33
Representation Before the Committee

Representation before the committee must be in accordance with the provisions provided in the Advocacy Law and its executive regulation.

Article 34
Determining a Punishment

1․ The committee shall determine the punishment within 30 working days from the date of referral of the violation report to it, and it may extend this for another similar period.

2․ The committee shall determine the punishment by majority. A member who makes a reservation may record his reservation in minutes prepared for this purpose.

3․ The minister or whoever he authorises shall issue the punishment decision within a period not exceeding 30 working days from the date of the minutes of the committee determining the punishment.

Article 35
Notification of a Punishment Decision

The ministry shall notify an investor of the punishment decision in accordance with the means it adopts for this purpose.

Chapter 12
Final Provisions

Article 36
Investor Guide

1․ The minister may—by a decision from him—or whoever he authorises, issue the investor guide. The investor guide and any update to it must be published on the official website of the ministry.

2․ The ministry shall prepare a list of the services it provides to investors, and the investor guide must clarify the nature, classification, and method of providing these services, as well as the resulting advantages, facilities, and their fees.

3․ The ministry shall coordinate with the competent entity to take the necessary measures to ensure the continuity of licensing procedures related to specific economic activities under the laws and relevant decisions, including the Saudi Program to Attract Regional Headquarters of International Companies and special economic zones.

Article 37
Entry Into Force of the Regulation

The regulation must be published in the official gazette, and comes into force from the date of entry into force of the law.

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5083 issued on 25 April 2025.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 571 Amending the Law of the Profession of Accounting and Auditing

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal of Royal Court File 37540 dated 24 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [26 November 2024], which includes the Minister of Commerce,  Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants,  Telegram 2270 dated 21 Muharram 1445 [8 August 2023] regarding the request to transfer the mandate of issuing licenses related to accounting and auditing to the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants,

after perusal of the Law of the Profession of Accounting and Auditing issued by Royal Decree D/59 dated 27 Rajab 1442 [11 March 2021],

after perusal of the System of the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants issued by Council of Ministers Decision 416 dated 25 Rajab 1442 [9 March 2021],

after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Minutes 115 dated 15 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [28 December 2023],  Memorandum 3687 dated 22 Shawwal 1445 [1 May 2024],  and Memorandum 385 dated 25 Muharram 1446 [31 July 2024],

after perusal of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 2/46/RC dated 25 Safar 1446 [29 August 2024],

after considering Shura Council Decision 105/10 dated 17 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [19 November 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 6373 dated 21 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [22 December 2024],

hereby decides

First

The mandate of issuing licenses for the following professions: Accounting and auditing, financial consulting for non-securities, providing zakat and tax services, and providing accounting services is hereby transferred from the Ministry of Commerce to the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants.

Second

The Law of the Profession of Accounting and Auditing issued by Royal Decree D/59 dated 27 Rajab 1442 [11 March 2021] is hereby amended as follows:

1․ The definition of “ministry” provided in article 1 is deleted.

2․ The definition of “license” provided in article 1 is amended to read as follows:

License: A document issued by the authority, allowing those who have been issued a license to practice the profession in accordance with the conditions and controls specified in the law and regulation.

3․ Article 4 is amended to read as follows:

1․ ‏The license application must be submitted to the authority in accordance with the procedures specified by the board.

2‏. The authority shall issue its decision to approve the granting of the license, or to reject the license application with reasons, within a period specified by the regulation. The license applicant may file a grievance against the rejection decision before the Administrative Court.

3․ ‏The regulation must specify the procedures for reviewing and deciding on the license application, its duration, and the conditions for its renewal.

4․ ‏The board shall determine the fee for the license.

4․ Article 5 is amended to read as follows:

Without prejudice to the punishments stipulated in article 10 of the law, the authority may issue a decision to cancel the license. A person for whom a license cancellation decision is issued may file a grievance against it before the Administrative Court. The cancellation of the license does not result in the cancellation of his membership in the authority.

5․ Article 19 is amended to read as follows:

A chartered accountant whose license has been struck off in accordance with the provisions of the law may apply for reinstatement of the license after five years from the date of the striking-off decision. The board or whoever it authorizes shall decide on the application. The same conditions and procedures prescribed for issuing the license must be followed in reinstatement of the license.

6‏. Article 20 is amended to read as follows:

Without prejudice to the mandates of the relevant entities, employees of the authority—who are appointed by a decision by the board—shall police the crimes stipulated in article 10 of the law, and any violations of the provisions of the law, its regulation, and the decisions issued for their implementation.

Third

The System of the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants—issued by Council of Ministers Decision 416 dated 25 Rajab 1442 [9 March 2021]—is hereby amended as follows:

1․ A paragraph numbered 9 is added to article 3 with the following text:

9‏. Issuing licenses to practice the profession and its related branches.

2․ A paragraph numbered 3 is added to article 4(1)(c) with the following text:

3․ Those licensed to provide financial consulting services for non-securities.

3․ Article 9(8) is amended to read as follows:

8․ Determining the fee for professional licenses, membership subscriptions, professional registration, the services and works provided by the authority, and the payment mechanism, within the limits of its mandates.

4․ Article 10(5) is amended to read as follows:

5․ The fee for the licenses it issues and the services and works it provides.

Fourth

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority is hereby granted the power to set the specific standards and conditions that must be met by licensees before dealing with them to provide zakat and tax services on behalf of taxpayers. The authority shall raise any matter requiring a legal procedure in this regard.

A draft royal decree has been prepared for clauses Second and Fourth in the form attached.

The Prime Minister

Issued on: 5 Sha’ban 1446
Corresponding to: 4 February 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5072 issued on 21 February 2025.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 574 Regarding the Implementation of the Controls for the Remuneration of the Members of Boards of Directors of Agencies and Their Committees

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal of Royal Court File 58953 dated 11 Sha’ban 1445 [21 February 2024], which includes the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Export-Import Bank, Telegram 5965 dated 4 Sha’ban 1445 [14 February 2024], regarding his request to study the variation in the terminology of the Controls for the Remuneration of Members of Boards of Directors of Agencies and Their Committees issued by Council of Ministers Decision 135 dated 13 Safar 1445 [29 August 2023],

after perusal of the Controls for the Remuneration of the Members of Boards of Directors of Agencies and Their Committees issued by Council of Ministers Decision 135 dated 13 Safar 1445 [29 August 2023],

after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memorandum 3484 dated 2 Shawwal 1445 [11 April 2024], Memorandum 143 dated 8 Muharram 1446 [14 July 2024], and Memorandum 1990 dated 8 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [9 December 2024],

after perusal of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 10/46/RC dated 25 Safar 1446 [29 August 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 6366 dated 21 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [22 December 2024],

hereby decides

In order to implement the Controls for the Remuneration of the Members of Boards of Directors of Agencies and Their Committees issued by Council of Ministers Decision 135 dated 13 Safar 1445 [29 August 2023], the term “government official” means anyone who is a member of a board of directors of an agency or any of its committees in his official capacity, or in his personal capacity as long as he has a regulatory or contractual official relationship with the state.

The Prime Minister

Issued on: 5 Sha’ban 1446
Corresponding to: 4 February 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5069 issued on 14 February 2025.

Categories
Ministerial Decision

Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center: Decision 12469 Entry Into Force of the Infrastructure Projects Code in Riyadh Region

Arabic

The Chief Executive Officer of the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center,

based on the powers entrusted to him by law,

after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 902 dated 1 Muharram 1445 [19 July 2023] stipulating the approval of the Organizational Arrangements of the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center,  after perusal of board of directors of the center Decision 24 dated 7 Rajab 1446, corresponding to 7 January 2025, stipulating the approval of the Infrastructure Projects Code in Riyadh Region,  and based on article 11 of the work regulation of the board of directors approved by virtue of the board of directors of the center Decision 5 dated 4 Rabi Al-Awwal 1445, corresponding to 19 September 2023, stipulating that the chief executive officer shall implement the decisions, directives, and recommendations issued by the board,  and in pursuance of the interest of work,

hereby decides

First

The Infrastructure Projects Code in Riyadh Region is hereby implemented and becomes effective after 180 days from the date of its publication in the official gazette and the website of the center.

Second

All entities covered by the provisions of the code shall correct their status in accordance with it before the date of its entry into force.

Third

The entities whose contracts were signed before the date of publication of the code shall submit a corrective plan to the center before the date of its entry into force.

Fourth

The Infrastructure Projects Code must be published in the Official Gazette and on the website of the center in the form attached to this decision to implement and act upon it.

The Chief Executive Officer of the
Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center
Engineer Fahad bin Suleiman Al-Badah

Issued on: 4 Sha’ban 1446
Corresponding to: 3 February 2025

You can view the Infrastructure Projects Code on the website of the official gazette.

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5068 issued on 7 February 2025.

Categories
Royal Decree

Royal Decree D/160 Extending the Period Stipulated in Clause Second of Royal Decree D/3

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty,

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud,

the 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 106/10 dated 17 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [19 November 2024],

and after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 547 dated 28 Rajab 1446 [28 January 2025],

have decreed as follows

First

The period stipulated in clause Second of Royal Decree D/3 dated 5 Muharram 1443 [13 August 2021] is hereby extended by continuing the application of the mandate of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing regarding the fees for collecting commercial and residential waste‏—provided in the municipal service fees approved by Royal Decree D/71 dated 6 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1437 [9 August 2016]—for a period of two years starting from 6 Muharram 1445 [24 July 2023].

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: 3 Sha’ban 1446
Corresponding to: 2 February 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5069 issued on 14 February 2025.

Categories
Royal Order

Royal Order O/303 Approving the Rules for Financial Settlements with Natural or Legal Persons Who Commit Corruption Crimes

Arabic

With the help of Allah the Almighty,

We, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud,

King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

after perusal of the Basic Law of Governance issued by Royal Order O/90 dated 27 Sha’ban 1412 [2 March 1992],

after perusal of the Law of Criminal Procedures issued by Royal Decree D/2 dated 22 Muharram 1435 [26 November 2013],

after perusal of Royal Order O/38 dated 15 Safar 1439 [4 November 2017] stipulating the identification of violations, crimes, persons, and entities relating to public corruption crimes and undertaking measures against those involved in them,

after perusal of Royal Order 74171 dated 29 Dhu Al-Hijja 1440 [19 August 2020] stipulating the formation of a supervisory committee to combat corruption that undertakes all means and mechanisms to achieve integrity and the elimination of financial and administrative corruption,

after perusal of the Law of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority issued by Royal Decree D/25 dated 23 Muharram 1446 [29 July 2024],

and after perusal of the matters submitted by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority in its Telegram 6766 dated 5 Safar 1446 [9 August 2024] on the basis of article 22 of the Law of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority issued by Royal Decree D/25 dated 23 Muharram 1446 [29 July 2024],

and in pursuance of public interest,

we hereby order the following

First

The Rules for Financial Settlements with Natural or Legal Persons Who Commit Corruption Crimes are hereby approved in the form attached.

Second

This order of Ours must be communicated to the competent entities for adoption and implementation.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 30 Rajab 1446
Corresponding to: 30 January 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5068 issued on 7 February 2025.

Categories
Laws and Regulations

The Rules for Financial Settlements with Natural or Legal Persons Who Commit Corruption Crimes

Arabic

Issued by Royal Order O/303

First

The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority shall sign a settlement agreement with anyone who takes the initiative to request this from among those who committed a corruption crime before the date of 15 Safar 1439 [4 November 2017]—whether a natural or a legal person—and it has not been discovered. The agreement must include the following principles:

1․ Obliging the person with whom the agreement is signed to return or collect the property subject of the crime—or its value—and any revenue generated by such property—if any—in addition to the payment of a percentage of 5% per year of this property calculated starting from the time the crime is committed until the completion of the actual payment by virtue of the settlement agreement. He shall also submit an accurate explanation of the information he has on the crime subject of the settlement and any other crime relating to it or to other corruption crimes. In exchange for implementing such obligations, no public criminal lawsuit is to be commenced against him in regard to any of the crimes subject of the settlement.

2․ The agreement must be approved by the Head of the Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Unit in the authority after it is signed by the parties. It is deemed an enforcement document, and this agreement is not subject to objection before any entity whatsoever.

3․ It must specify—by a decision by the president of the authority—a period not exceeding three years to end the settlement procedures and to perform the obligations provided in the agreement. If the obligations are not performed by the person with whom the agreement is signed—within the time period specified—the Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Unit in the authority shall undertake the procedures for public criminal lawsuit against him.

4․ All property collected in the implementation of the agreement must be deposited in the public treasury of the state.

5․ If it is established after signing the settlement agreement that the person with whom it is signed has concealed any information about the crime subject of the settlement, any related crime, or any other corruption crime, the Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Unit in the authority shall commence the public criminal lawsuit against him immediately, even if this is after the approval and performance of the settlement agreement, unless the president of the authority sees that public interest requires continuing with the performance of the agreement without prejudice to any procedures taken in regard to other crimes mentioned in this paragraph. In all cases, taking any action pursuant to this paragraph does not result in returning the property paid by the person who signed the agreement in implementation of it.

6․ Whoever takes the initiative to make a settlement request to the authority within a period not exceeding a year from the date of the issuance of these rules and meets his obligations provided in the agreement signed with him is exempt from the collection of the 5% referred to in paragraph 1 of this clause.

Second

The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority may implement clause First of these rules, without prejudice to any provisions in this clause, against those who agree to conduct the settlement: Those against whom judicial rulings are issued, are currently being tried, or against whom inquiry or investigation procedures have commenced in regard to corruption cases committed before the issuance of these rules, or those who make a request to conduct a settlement from among those who commit corruption crimes—before their discovery—from 15 Safar 1439 [4 November 2017] and before the issuance of these rules, taking into account the following:

1․ That the authority does not commence undertaking any settlement procedures except after the issuance of the approval of the King based on justifications determined by the president of the authority.

2․ That he does not benefit from the exemption stipulated in clause First(6) of these rules.

3․ The competent court shall order—based on a request by the authority—the stay of the lawsuit against whoever agrees to conduct a settlement from among those currently being tried—after taking the necessary action provided in paragraph 1 of this clause—and if all the clauses of the settlement agreement and the obligations provided in it are implemented, the public criminal lawsuit is deemed to have lapsed in his regard.

4․ Whoever has a judicial ruling for imprisonment issued against him must be relieved of the enforcement of the punishment or the completion of its remainder if he implements all the clauses of the agreement and obligations provided in it. If it is established after approving the agreement that he concealed information about the crime subject of the settlement, any other related crime, or other corruption crimes, the imprisonment punishment must be enforced or the remainder of its period must be completed, unless the president of the authority sees that public interest requires continuing the implementation of the provisions of the agreement in this regard, without prejudice to the procedures undertaken in regard to the other crimes referred to in this paragraph. In all cases, implementing any of the provisions of this paragraph does not result in returning the amounts paid by the person who signs the agreement in implementation of it.

Third

The President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority may implement the provisions of clause First of these rules without prejudice to the special provisions provided in this clause against whoever commits a corruption crime after the date of issuance of these rules and takes the initiative to request a settlement before its discovery in exchange of implementing his obligations that are claimed before the court competent with imposing the punishment legally prescribed at its minimum or to stay its enforcement, taking into account the following:

1․ That the authority does not commence undertaking the settlement procedures except after the issuance of the approval of the King on this based on justifications determined by the president of the authority.

2․ That he does not benefit from the exemption stipulated in clause First(6) of these rules.

Fourth

The President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority shall prepare periodic reports every six months containing all that relates to settlement agreements signed with natural or legal persons who commit corruption crimes—in accordance with the provisions of these rules—regarding their numbers, matters recorded, the number implemented, the property returned or collected as a result of them, and proposals that the authority sees to address any developments after the date of the issuance of these rules, and it shall submit these reports to the King to consider them.

Fifth

The provisions contained in these rules do not prejudice any settlement agreement signed—before its issuance–regarding a corruption crime, it is not permitted for any entity to object to such agreement, and the public criminal lawsuit—if all its provisions are implemented—lapses by virtue of it.

Sixth

These rules are effective from the date of their issuance.

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5068 issued on 7 February 2025.

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