Saudi Arabia has amended the Executive Regulations of the Law of Private Security Services, introducing new restrictions on the duties of private security guards and expanding the mandate for 24-hour coverage across critical commercial and residential sectors, the Ministry of Interior announced.
The changes, approved by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, limit private security guard duties during working hours to eight designated types of activities. In parallel, the amendments expand the requirement for round-the-clock security to 15 categories of vital establishments.
Under the revised Article 2, facilities that must deploy guards during business hours include:
● Private and international schools and training centers
● Wedding and event venues
● Private clinics, medical centers, and complexes
● Event spaces licensed by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority or the General Entertainment Authority during events
● Restaurants with licensed commercial space exceeding 1,000 square meters
● Women’s gyms
● Hypermarkets and grocery stores over 2,000 square meters
● Designated Hajj sites and camps during the first 15 days of Dhul Hijjah
Additionally, factories and warehouses may also be required to maintain 24-hour private security, subject to directives from regional police authorities. This is contingent on a feasibility study submitted by a licensed security consultant within two months of notification. These updates aim to strengthen the regulation of the private security sector, ensuring the protection of vital private and public assets in line with national safety goals.
