In brief
Sets the activities covered, such as printing, publishing, distribution, newspapers and online publishing, their licensing, content rules, violations and grievances.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Foreign publications are cleared or refused with reasons within 30 days of the application (Article 19).
- After the amendment of Article 38 by Royal Decree M/20 of 1433H, penalties include fines of up to SAR 500,000, doubled on repetition, challengeable before the Board of Grievances within 60 days (Article 40).
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
- Licensed activities
- Clearing publications
- Violations
- Grievances
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/32 · 3/9/1421H
- Amendments: Royal Decree M/20 · 11/4/1433H. Amendment to some articles (shown on the law's page at the Bureau of Experts)
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: .