In brief
Defines who is a bribe-taker, including public officials and those treated as such in companies and associations, and punishes the briber and intermediary, trading in influence and breach of duty.
Summary of the law
Penalties
- A public official who asks for or accepts a promise or gift to perform a duty, even a lawful one: up to ten years' imprisonment and SAR 1 million, or either (Article 1); likewise for refraining from duty or breaching it (Articles 2 and 3).
- The briber and intermediary face the bribe-taker's penalty, and the law covers those treated as public officials.
Practical tip
- Any paid «facilitation» to an official to finish a transaction, even a lawful one, is bribery; refuse, document it and report.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Bribery to act or refrain
- Trading in influence
- Briber and intermediary
- Exemption on reporting
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/36 · 29/12/1412H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .